#i know it’s not that deep but it’s my comfort character I do the character analysis

[pleasureable]

Pink Goes Well with Purple

Summary - After entering in a series of death games, a popstar fallen from grace finds comfort in a certain purple haired stranger.

Warnings - mentions of reader having pink hair (hence the title lol), ooc Thanos?, bad writing, please excuse any grammatical errors, this is pretty short

A/N - this is my first ever attempt at writing fanfiction for a character so I know this story might be hot ass, I just really wanted to jump on the Thanos bandwagon since he's one of my favs from this season and there's not enough fics on here for him to quench my thirst lol

Once a universally loved popstar, the emotional distress caused by the separation from your ex-boyfriend caused you to fall down a rabbit hole of sex and drugs, not to mention the $70,000,000 lawsuit you were slapped with after punching a paparazzi for putting his camera just a tad bit too close to your face. The heavy fallout from the legal battle was enough to make the whole world turn its back on you. Essentially blacklisted from the industry as a whole, you were desperate to rebuild your image (or at least get your money back) in any way you possibly could.

That's when you were approached by a man in a suit offering you $100,000 if you beat him in a game of ddakji. Managing to win 2 out of the 3 games played, you were given your $200,000 as promised by the suit-clad man standing before you.

"You know, I have a simple solution to your debts." he said. You were confused as to how he knew you had debts, you didn't recall mentioning your financial situation to him, at all. You tried to brush his comment off, maybe he had seen your name in a tabloid mentioning your lawsuit somewhere and he recognized you.

"How do you know I'm in debt?"

No answer, he just pulled a card out of the inside pocket in his suit and handed it to you. "We don't have many spots left so if you're interested, please call us as soon as possible." Then, he was gone.

You spent the rest of the day looking at the brown business card given to you, you took notice of the shapes that were on the front of it. The simplistic design of the card was weirdly intriguing. On the back, a phone number. On one hand, you didn't want to be wasting your time. On the other hand, you needed money in order to rebuild your life. So, this could either be the biggest scam or the biggest blessing of your entire life.

Fuck it, you dialed.

You didn't really know it at the time, but that phone call would unleash a chain of events that would change your life, forever.

That's how you winded up in the situation you were in now. Transported to a room designed to simulate a courtyard, a giant doll on the other side of the room.

Suddenly, you heard a voice come up from behind you, "Hey señorita" the deep voice spoke. Turning your head around, your eyes were met with the sight of a tall, purple haired man. "Knew I recognized that pretty pink hair from somewhere. You're that singer that socked that paparazzi guy in the face; Y/N, right?"

"Yes, Y/N. Who are you?" I said back. "You don't know who I am?" He said, a twinge of pretend hurt in his voice. "Am I supposed to?" You always had a slight dislike for people who expected everyone to know who they were. Clearly, this guy was one of those people.

"No, but we can get to know each other. Tell me about yourself, beautiful."

"Are you flirting with me?" a slight smirk began to form on your face. While his attitude was a bit off-putting, he was pretty cute.

"Yo, pink hair, you're so fine

like a bouquet of flowers, all intertwined

You're the rose to my thorn, the petal to my stem

Red, orange, yellow, green

I'm a legend, Thanos"

You giggled at his comically bad attempt at freestyling. "Thanos, huh? I guess that would explain the purple hair. Although, you're not as hideous as the titan."

"I'll take that as a compliment, petal."

Masked men wearing pink jumpsuits began to round up every other person who was dressed in the same blue-green sweatsuit as you and Thanos; you did a quick head count, confirming the amount of people to be about 400. Once a female voice on the intercom explained that you were all going to participate in a game of Red Light Green Light, the big robotic doll began to recite the games' chant.

Red light, a bee had landed on the neck of the girl standing in front of Thanos while the doll was scanning the room for movement. ''There's a bee on you, don't freakout." Instantly, the girl began to swat at her neck in an attempt to get the insect off. While the scene unfolding was slightly amusing to watch, your heart felt like it had stopped once a single bullet pierced her forehead. Her blood had splattered onto Thanos's face, and you watched as his face dropped once her body hit the ground.

Green light, Thanos picked up his cross-shaped necklace and opened it, revealing an array of colorful, circular pills. "Want one, petal? They'll help you relax." Red light, you stood still while staring at the pills in his hands; you had been clean for a little over 3 months now, but pill popping had never sounded better. "Fuck it, give me one."

Green light, he quickly placed a blue colored pill in your hand then grabbed an orange pill for himself. He grabbed your hand and started to lead you both further across the courtyard. Immediately, you began to feel the effects of the mysterious pill you had just ingested. As you continued to advance through the game, your vision became nothing but a colorful kaleidoscopic blur. The sudden energy burst allowed you and Thanos to quickly cross the red finish line, jumping, dancing, and twirling together on the way there.

After the game was over, the remaining players were all taken back to the room where your bunk beds were. You and Thanos were standing against a wall together, giggling at seemingly nothing. "Stick with me from now on, petal. I'll protect you." He said, finishing his statement off with a playful wink. "THE Thanos wants to protect me? Wow, I'm so fucking lucky" you chuckled. "I'm serious! I wouldn't want anything to happen to my flower now, would I?"

You just looked at him with a slight smile. His nickname for you made you blush, your cheeks taking on a subtle hue that matched your hair. He had such a way with words, you couldn't help but be totally charmed by him. "Fine then, let's team up. Thanos the Mad Titan and Y/N, Popstar Fallen from Grace; world's greatest duo." Your words made him smile like an idiot. He loved your company already.

"Of course we're the world's greatest duo. Pink goes well with purple, petal."

[kckt88]

Scorched Hearts - Younger II

Summary:

'We loved with a love that was more than love - Edgar Allen Poe'

A glimpse into the past of Aemond and Valaena.

Warning(s): Angst, Drama, Mild Violence, Blood, Language, Secret Relationship, Uncle/Niece Incest, Shame, Self Loathing, Discussion of Brothel Visit, Kissing, Fingering, Coming in Pants, Oral Sex, Loss of Virginity, P in V.

AEMOND x O.C Niece

Word Count: 10080

A.N -

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon or Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are very much appreciated, do not copy/post to other sights without my permission.

Tag List - @jasminecosmic99 @kaelatargaryen @yesterdayfeelings-blog @immyowndefender @0eessirk8 @darylandbethfanforever9 @killua2dot0 @msassenach @xcharlottemikaelsonx

The coming year had been long and trying for both Aemond and Valaena, but their letters had been a lifeline.

Each parchment carried their joys, struggles, and the quiet comfort of knowing they still had each other despite the distance.

Aemond had written of his determination to overcome the limitations imposed by the loss of his eye. He described the gruelling hours he spent training with Ser Criston, vowing to become the fiercest swordsman in the realm.

His studies proved a little more challenging; reading with one eye often led to debilitating headaches.

But Valaena had suggested a remedy—willow bark tea—and to his relief, it helped. He thanked her profusely in his letters.

In turn, Valaena shared news from Dragonstone. Her mother, Rhaenyra, had been overjoyed at the birth of her son, Aegon, though the choice of name had caused ripples of discontent.

Aemond wrote back, confirming that his mother, Alicent, saw it as an affront to her own son, Aegon.

Otto, Aemond said, was not shy in voicing his opinions on the matter, fuelling the already simmering tensions between their families.

Aemond confided in Valaena his fears for Helaena, who was now betrothed to Aegon. He worried for his sweet sister, knowing Aegon’s temperament was far from gentle.

He hated the idea of her being unhappy in her marriage, but his protests went unheard.

Then came the day Aemond made a bold suggestion: they should meet in person.

They were both older enough to fly their dragons on their own, and he proposed a spot near Wendwater.

Valaena had readily agreed, her heart fluttering at the thought of seeing him again.

It had been over a year, and she missed him more than words could convey.

Convincing her mother, however, proved more challenging. Rhaenyra was reluctant to let her only daughter fly Silverwing alone.

But Valaena’s persistence and assurances eventually wore her down.

The day finally arrived. Strapped into Silverwing’s saddle, Valaena took a deep breath before giving her dragon the command to take flight.

At first, fear tugged at her, the vast expanse of the skies unnerving without the familiar presence of Syrax or Caraxes flying alongside her.

But as Silverwing’s powerful wings cut through the air, the bond between dragon and rider strengthened.

Valaena began to feel a sense of exhilaration, trusting Silverwing to guide her.

Eventually the Wendwater soon came into view, and her heart pounded as she spotted Vhagar—a hulking silhouette on the ground below.

Beside the ancient dragon stood a silver-haired figure.

It’s him.

Silverwing landed with a gentle thud, her scales glinting in the sunlight. Valaena unstrapped herself and slid down the dragon’s wing, her boots hitting the ground softly.

For a moment, she hesitated, taking in the sight of Aemond as he approached her.

He had changed. His hair was longer, and straighter cascading past his shoulders, he stood a little taller too, his frame lean and gangly.

Aemond tilted his head, noticing her hesitation, and a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Then he opened his arms.

Valaena’s feet moved before her mind could catch up, and she broke into a run, throwing herself into his embrace.

Her arms wrapped tightly around him, her fingers clutching the fabric of his cloak. She buried her face in his neck, breathing him in—the faint scent of leather and something uniquely Aemond.

“I missed you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

His arms tightened around her, his hand cradling the back of her head. “I missed you too,” he replied softly, his voice thick with feeling.

For a moment, the world seemed to still. It was just the two of them, reunited at last, and neither wanted to let go.

Valaena stepped back slightly, taking in Aemond with a soft, admiring smile. “You’re getting so tall,” she said, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

Aemond grinned, his expression boyish for just a moment before he reached out and gently twirled a lock of her dark hair around his gloved hand.

“And you are-sīr gevie” he murmured, the Valyrian words rolling off his tongue smoothly (So beautiful).

The compliment made Valaena blush, a soft warmth spreading across her cheeks as she lowered her gaze for a moment.

Then she felt Aemond’s fingers slip into hers, his hand warm even through the glove.

Their gazes met, and for a long moment, the two of them simply stood there, basking in each other’s presence.

Behind them, Vhagar shifted, her massive form casting an even larger shadow over the clearing.

Valaena turned her head, taking in the dragon with wide eyes. “She truly is a wonder,” she breathed.

Aemond followed her gaze and smiled with quiet pride. “Would you like to meet her?”

At Valaena’s eager nod, he kept her hand in his and led her toward the ancient dragon.

Vhagar, sensing their approach, lowered her colossal head, exhaling a warm gust of air that rustled the grass.

Silverwing, however, grumbled protectively behind Valaena, her tail slamming into the ground in a clear warning.

“Lykirī, Silverwing,” Valaena said firmly, turning to her dragon. Silverwing reluctantly backed down but kept her sharp gaze trained on Vhagar, her nostrils flaring (Be calm).

Aemond chuckled softly. “I thought she was said to be the gentlest of all the dragons?”

Valaena laughed, a bright sound that seemed to cut through the tension. “I guess when it comes to protecting her rider, things can change.”

Turning back to Vhagar, Aemond placed a hand gently on the dragon’s massive snout and said “Sagon sȳz uēpa riña-” (Be nice, old girl).

The old dragon huffed, blowing a gust of hot air over both of them. Aemond took Valaena’s hand and placed it on Vhagar’s snout.

The ancient dragon cooed softly before nudging Valaena backward, almost playfully.

Aemond laughed. “I think that’s her way of saying she likes you.”

Valaena smiled, her fingers grazing over Vhagar’s warm scales. “Good to know,” she said, before turning to Silverwing. “Now, do you wish to meet her?”

He nodded, following her toward the sleek silver-scaled dragon. Silverwing trilled affectionately, bowing her head toward Aemond.

Behind him, Vhagar began to lumber after her rider, the ground trembling beneath her weight.

Aemond raised a hand without turning. "Iksan sȳz-" he said calmly, and Vhagar halted with a deep, grumbling huff (I’m fine).

"She’s quite protective," Valaena remarked with a soft laugh.

"For obvious reasons," Aemond replied, his fingers briefly grazing the edge of his eyepatch.

Valaena’s expression grew serious. "I’m sorry for what happened," she said softly. "You didn’t deserve it."

Aemond’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he gave a small nod. "It’s not your fault," he said, his voice quieter than before. "But I appreciate your apology."

Silverwing nudged Valaena gently, rumbling sweetly as if sensing the shift in mood. Valaena turned back to her dragon with a fond smile. "And this, of course, is Silverwing."

Aemond reached out, his hand brushing over the smooth, glimmering scales of the dragon’s snout.

"She’s beautiful," he murmured, his voice tinged with admiration.

Silverwing cooed in response, her large, intelligent eyes watching Aemond with curiosity.

After a few moments, Aemond once again took her hand. "We did it," he said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "We finally have our dragons."

"We do," Valaena agreed, her smile wide and genuine.

"Come," Aemond said, guiding her toward the soft sand. "Let’s sit. I’m sure there are things we can talk about that couldn’t be put into our letters."

Valaena eagerly nodded, sitting beside him. Her heart skipped a beat when his arm settled around her shoulders, a warm, steady presence.

Blushing, she leaned ever so slightly into his side, contentment washing over her.

For the first time in what felt like forever, all was right in their world.

Over the following months, Aemond and Valaena met as often as they could, always at the same secluded spot near Wendwater.

Their weekly meetings became their sanctuary—a brief escape from their families.

Though they continued to exchange letters, the frequency dwindled, as their time together now provided the comfort and joy that the written word could never fully convey.

Their days were filled with laughter and light-hearted challenges, like racing through the clouds on the backs of their dragons, Silverwing and Vhagar.

They soared through the skies, their laughter ringing out as they pushed each other to go faster, higher.

Between their races, they discovered a small, abandoned cabin nestled among the trees.

Though the structure was weathered and in need of repair, it quickly became their refuge, a place affectionately referred to as “our place.”

It was theirs alone, untouched by the world beyond.

But then one day, Aemond didn’t come.

Valaena waited for hours on the familiar beach, her heart sinking with each passing moment.

When the sun began to dip below the horizon, she returned to Dragonstone, her mind plagued with worry.

For days after she wrote letter after letter, desperate to hear from him, but none of them received a reply.

What if they had been discovered? Had Aemond been forbidden from seeing her? Or worse—had he been injured?

As the weeks stretched into nearly two months of silence, darker fears crept in.

What if Aemond had decided he no longer wanted to see her?

The thought shattered her heart, leaving a gaping void where their bond had once thrived.

Eventually, she accepted what felt like the inevitable: Aemond didn’t want her anymore.

But before giving up completely, she penned one final letter—a desperate plea for him to meet her at their place one last time, even if it was to say goodbye.

Dressed in her riding leathers, Valaena took to the skies on Silverwing. The dragon sensed her rider’s anguish, cooing and trilling softly throughout the flight in an attempt to console her.

When they reached the beach, Silverwing stayed close, her presence a source of quiet comfort as Valaena waited.

Hours passed, and the sky darkened with the approach of evening.

Tears streaked Valaena’s cheeks as she stared at the empty horizon.

Finally, she turned to mount Silverwing, resigned to the truth that Aemond wasn’t coming.

Then a mighty roar echoed through the air.

Valaena’s head snapped up, her heart pounding as Vhagar descended through the clouds. The ancient dragon circled once before landing with a ground-shaking thud.

Aemond climbed down the rope ladder, his movements deliberate. When his boots hit the sand, he turned to face her, his expression solemn.

"You haven’t been responding to my letters," Valaena said, her voice trembling. "Or coming to our place."

"No," Aemond replied flatly, his tone detached, his gaze fixed somewhere over her shoulder.

"Have I done something to upset you?" she asked, her voice breaking. "If I have, then I’m sorry, and—"

"It’s not you," Aemond interrupted, his voice strained. "It’s me."

Confusion flashed across her face. "What do you mean?"

Aemond took a deep, shuddering breath. "I think it’s for the best that we don’t see each other anymore."

The words hit her like a blow. "W-what? Why?"

"We’ve been fools," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "To think we could carry on our—friendship."

"Has something happened?" she pressed, stepping closer. "Has your mother or grandsire discovered—"

"No," Aemond cut her off sharply. "We have not been discovered."

"Then why?" Valaena asked, her voice rising with desperation.

A long silence hung between them, broken only by the distant sound of the waves.

Finally, Aemond spoke, his voice trembling with shame. "Because I am tainted. Despoiled. I am no longer worthy of your friendship-or our closeness."

Valaena furrowed her brow. "What are you talking about?"

"F-For my name day," Aemond began hesitantly, his fists clenching at his sides, "Aegon took me to a brothel on the Street of Silk. He said it was his duty as my brother to ensure I was as educated as he was."

Realization dawned, and Valaena’s heart plummeted. "Oh," she whispered, taking a step back. "So you—"

"I didn’t want to," Aemond said quickly, his voice cracking. "But Aegon-he paid, and the woman, Sylvi, she had to—"

"Oh, Aemond," Valaena said softly, rushing forward to take his hand.

But he recoiled, pushing her away. "No. I am no longer worthy of you. I’ve tainted myself with the touch of a whore."

"It wasn’t your fault," Valaena insisted, her voice firm.

Aemond shook his head. "I wanted my first time to be with you," he said, his voice raw with anguish. "But now it’s been taken, and I’ll never get it back."

Valaena’s chest ached at his words. "We can still be together," she said, tears streaming down her face.

"No, we can’t," Aemond said, his voice hollow. "I’m disgusted with myself. And you—you are so sweet, so lovely. I don’t deserve you."

Valaena’s hands balled into fists. "So that’s it? You’re just going to turn your back on me? Don’t I mean anything to you?"

"You mean everything to me," Aemond said, his voice breaking. "And that’s why I’m sparing you."

"All you’re doing is breaking my heart!" Valaena cried. "I-I love you, Aemond”

His head snapped up, his eye wide with disbelief. "W-what did you say?"

"I love you," she repeated, her voice steady despite her tears.

Aemond gasped softly. "But-how can you, after what I’ve done?"

"Because you’re still my Aemond," Valaena said. "And it wasn’t your fault."

For a moment, Aemond stood frozen. Then he surged forward, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

His voice cracked as he muttered, "I’m sorry. I’m so sorry," over and over again.

Their knees gave way, and they sank to the sand together. Aemond buried his face in her neck, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed.

Valaena held him close, her fingers threading through his long silver hair as she whispered, "It’s going to be okay. Iksan lēda ao" (I’m with you).

In the months that followed their emotional reconciliation, Aemond and Valaena grew closer than ever.

Their bond, already strong, deepened with the comfort of shared joy of simply being together.

They turned their attention to repairing the old cabin, transforming it into a cozy retreat that was entirely theirs.

The process was slow—neither of them had any knowledge of carpentry or repairs—but Aemond optimistically declared, “That’s what books are for.”

At their weekly meetings, he arrived with his satchel bulging with tomes on woodwork and home repairs, their pages well-thumbed as he poured over diagrams and instructions.

Their efforts were often punctuated by fits of laughter. Like the time Aemond hit his thumb with the hammer while trying to repair a hole in the wall, spending an hour muttering curses under his breath.

Or when Valaena, perched precariously on a stool, tried to hang curtains on the drafty window only to lose her balance and tumble into a pile of blankets.

By some miracle, they made progress, patching the cabin’s worn wooden walls and repairing the sagging beams.

It wasn’t perfect—the walls leaned slightly, and their makeshift solutions were far from elegant—but the sense of accomplishment was undeniable.

They began leaving things behind: blankets, supplies, and small touches that made the cabin feel like home.

Valaena even tried her hand at sewing a tapestry to hang on the wall, her needle fumbling through the fabric in an attempt to create a dragon.

When she showed it to Aemond, he tilted his head and smirked. “It’s-recognizable. If you look at it upside down.”

Valaena huffed, playfully swatting his arm. “Oh well, perhaps my talents lie elsewhere.”

Despite the teasing, Aemond hung it up anyway, insisting it was a valuable addition—though it ended up serving more as a draft stopper than decoration.

When the cabin repairs were finally complete, their visits became less about work and more about enjoying each other’s company.

They spent hours curled up in front of the small hearth, taking turns reading aloud.

On days when Aemond’s headaches flared from the strain of reading, he would lay his head in Valaena’s lap, letting her voice soothe him as she read, her fingers gently combing through his silver hair.

One day, Valaena suggested they try sparring.

“I don’t want to hear any of that you’re a girl nonsense-” she declared, brandishing a wooden practice sword that Aemond had left in the cabin.

Aemond’s lips curved into a smirk. “I wasn’t going to say that at all. In fact, I declare you a worthy opponent.”

They faced off on the sandy shore, wooden swords clashing as the sound of laughter mingled with the crash of the waves.

Valaena surprised herself by holding her own for a while, dodging Aemond’s strikes and managing a few good hits of her own.

But then Aemond, quick and calculated, tripped her.

She tumbled to the ground with a surprised yelp, sand sticking to her. But she wasn’t about to let him win so easily.

As Aemond extended a hand to help her up, she grabbed his wrist and yanked him down with her.

They landed in a tangle of limbs, laughter spilling from both of them. The sound faded as their eyes met, the world narrowing to just the two of them.

Aemond’s gaze softened, his expression shifting into something tender yet intense. Slowly, he leaned closer, and Valaena felt her breath catch as his lips met hers.

The kiss was hesitant at first, shy and tentative, but it carried a deep, unspoken passion that had been simmering between them for what felt like forever.

Aemond’s gloved hand cupped her face with gentle care, while Valaena’s fingers tightened in the fabric of his tunic, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened.

Their tongues brushed, igniting a warmth that sent a shiver down her spine.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling in the quiet, intimate moment.

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” Aemond admitted, his voice low and rough.

Valaena smiled, her cheeks flushed. “Me too.”

For a long moment, they stayed there in the sand, the roar of the waves and the distant calls of their dragons a comforting backdrop to the start of something new between them.

The cabin was quiet, the only sounds the soft crackling of the fire and the occasional whistle of the wind through the trees outside.

Valaena lay nestled in Aemond’s arms on the small bed they’d pieced together during their repairs, their bodies pressed close together on top of the fur blanket.

Aemond’s nose brushed against her neck, his breath tickling her skin as he murmured against her ear, his voice low and filled with determination.

“I’m going to marry you someday,” he said, his words a promise.

Valaena smiled, her fingers idly tracing patterns on his arm. “Oh, are you now?” she teased, her tone light but her heart racing at the conviction in his voice.

“Hmmm” Aemond hummed, pressing a soft kiss to her jawline. “I intend to keep the vow I made in front of the weirwood tree.”

Valaena huffed a laugh, tilting her head to look at him. “I think our family might have something to say about that”

A shadow passed over Aemond’s face before smirked, his violet eye glinting in the firelight. “I don’t care,” he said firmly, his arms tightening around her. “We’ll run away if we have to.”

“Run away?” Valaena giggled, the thought both thrilling and absurd. “Where would we go?”

“To some faraway land where no one can tell us that we can’t be together-we would live free and have children-create our own family” he said confidently, his lips brushing her cheek as he peppered it with kisses, his affection making her laugh again.

“You make it sound so simple,” she said, though the idea filled her with a reckless kind of joy.

“Because it is,” Aemond replied, turning her face toward him and capturing her lips in a kiss.

This kiss wasn’t playful like his earlier ones; it was deeper, slower, filled with the weight of his love for her.

Valaena melted against him, her hand slipping into his hair, fingers tangling in the silver strands as she pulled him closer.

Aemond half-rolled on top of her, the kiss growing more intense as their breaths mingled.

After a few minutes, Aemond pulled back, his forehead resting against hers as they both caught their breath.

Valaena’s hand toyed with the strap of his eyepatch, her fingers hesitant.

“May I?” she asked softly.

Aemond stiffened, his body going still. “It’s unsightly,” he said, his voice quiet, almost ashamed.

“Ivestragī nyke ūndegon ao,” she whispered, her tone gentle but firm. (Let me see you)

He hesitated, his chest rising and falling as he took a deep, shuddering breath. Finally, he nodded, moving back slightly to kneel on the bed.

His hand shook as he reached up and removed the eyepatch, the leather falling away to reveal the scarred, empty socket beneath. He lowered his head, unable to meet her gaze.

Valaena sat up, her heart aching at his vulnerability. She reached out, placing a finger under his chin and lifting his face.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips gently to the scarred side of his face, her kiss lingering as she whispered, “Ñuha gevie gēlenka zaldrīzes.” (My beautiful brave dragon)

A tear slipped from his good eye, and before he could say anything, Valaena kissed him again, her hands cupping his face as she guided him back down onto the bed.

Aemond followed her willingly, his lips never leaving hers as he settled between her legs, their bodies aligning.

The kisses grew more fervent, their hands roaming one another. Aemond’s tunic was discarded, his cotton shirt quickly following. Valaena’s dress was unlaced and pulled from her body, leaving her in a sheer shift.

They paused, breathing heavily as they looked at one another, their love unspoken but palpable in the air between them.

“I-I’m not ready to-to lie with you,” Valaena whispered, her voice trembling.

Aemond smiled softly, brushing a lock of hair from her face. “It’s okay,” he said, his tone soothing. “We won’t do anything you’re not ready for.”

Valaena hesitated before shyly whispering, “B-but you can touch me-if you want.”

His gaze searched hers, his eye filled with reverence. “Are you sure?” he asked gently.

“Yes,” she breathed, nodding.

Aemond kissed her again, his hand trailing down her body with a reverence that made her shiver.

His hand slowly moving under the fabric of her shift, moving it higher and higher his fingers skimming the soft flesh of her thigh before his fingers rubbed her pearl over the cotton material of her small clothes.

“Already so wet for me” groaned Aemond.

“A-Aemond” breathed Valaena.

“Does it feel good baby?” asked Aemond.

“Oh-Aemond-yes-please” whimpered Valaena as he moved her small clothes aside and slid two of his long fingers inside her.

“Ñuha dōna jorrāelagon” whispered Aemond as he slowly curled his fingers inside her (My sweet love).

“A-Aemond,” she stuttered, her body trembling beneath his. “Something is happening, it f-feels-”

“Let it happen,” he groaned, his lips brushing against her ear as he rolled his own hips against her, matching the rhythm of his fingers and they moved inside her.

Valaena’s body arched, as the pleasure exploded and she shuddered against him, a soft cry escaping her lips before she relaxed, her cheeks flushed pink.

“Did you enjoy that?” Aemond asked, his voice low and tender, as he slowly removed his fingers.

“Yes,” she whispered, her face heating as she avoided his gaze.

He kissed her again, pulling her close and holding her against his bare chest.

“What about you?” she asked softly,

“D-Don’t worry about me” replied Aemond his cheeks tinged pink.

Valaena frowned and looked down and noticed the damp spot on Aemond’s trousers. “Did you-”

Aemond nodded, looking slightly embarrassed. “Yes-I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it-”

“It’s okay,” she said quickly, offering him a shy smile.

He pressed a quick kiss to her lips before climbing off the bed and using a rag to clean himself up.

When he returned, he pulled back the fur blanket, gesturing for her to climb in.

“We don’t have much time before I have to go back to Dragonstone,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness.

“I know,” he said sadly, pulling her into his arms once they were both under the fur. “But please, just let me hold you.”

Valaena sighed in contentment as she cuddled up against him, his warmth and steady heartbeat soothing her.

They lay there, tangled together, savouring every stolen moment before the world inevitably pulled them apart again.

Valaena’s name day feast was in full swing, the great hall of Dragonstone alive with the sounds of laughter and celebration.

The long table was laden with food, the golden glow of the firelight reflecting off polished goblets and dishes.

Despite the warmth of the occasion, Valaena found her thoughts elsewhere—on a certain silver-haired prince.

Her mother had insisted on hosting the feast, and Valaena had been unable to refuse. She sat at the table, surrounded by her family.

Rhaenyra and Daemon occupied the seats at the head, her brothers Jace and Luke sitting to one side, and her stepsister Rhaena on the other.

Near the fire, her younger brother Aegon sat on a blanket with baby Viserys and their nursemaid, Elinda, playing with brightly painted wooden toys.

The first gift was from Rhaenyra—a set of new riding leathers tailored to perfection.

The shoulders were patterned with swirling dragon scales, and finished off with a crimson sash that could be fastened using her dragon chain.

Daemon followed with a gift of his own—a matching leather wrist gauntlet embossed with the Targaryen three-headed dragon sigil.

“A set of two,” he said as he fastened it onto her wrist, showing her the matching one on his own. “Biare brōzio tubis tala,” he said with a rare softness in his tone. (Happy name day, daughter)

Valaena smiled, touched by the gesture. “Thank you, Kepa-” she said, her voice filled with warmth. (Father).

Jace presented her with a set of beaded bracelets, made of silver and white “In honour of Silverwing,” he said with a grin.

Luke offered her a set of hairbrushes, carefully crafted from polished wood “They’re not much, but I hope you like them-I know you don’t like  others touching your hair” he said shyly.

“They’re lovely,” Valaena said, her smile reassuring him.

Rhaena handed her a seashell necklace, from the Driftmark shores.

From Maester Gerardys, she received a tray of her favourite cakes.

As her eyes scanned the selection, she noticed that some were ones Aemond particularly enjoyed.

Her gaze flickered toward Gerardys, who stood silently at the edge of the hall, his expression calm but his eyes knowing.

“Thank you, Maester-” Valaena said aloud, her voice bright enough to carry, ensuring the gesture was noticed. “Will you not join us?”

Gerardys inclined his head. “It would be my honour, Princess-” He took a seat beside her, and as the feast carried on, he discreetly pressed a folded letter into her hand beneath the table.

Valaena whispered her thanks, and the Maester gave a small, encouraging smile.

Later that evening, Valaena seized her opportunity, slipping away from the hall, she quickly changed into her new riding leathers and headed toward the stone staircase that led to the dragons’ cavern.

“Off flying again? Sister-” Jace’s voice stopped her, his footsteps echoing in the corridor as he approached.

“Of course,” Valaena replied, her tone casual as she adjusted the fit of her leathers, her fingers toying with the smooth fabric of the red sash.

Jace tilted his head, studying her. “Where do you go when you disappear for hours on end?”

“We just fly-” she said simply, her gaze steady. “Sometimes we find a place to rest, and I wait whilst Silverwing hunts.”

Jace smiled faintly. “You always were more dragon than the rest of us.”

“Even though my dragon egg didn’t hatch?” she asked, raising a brow.

“Yes,” he said thoughtfully. “Mother told me that not all dragons are born to us. Sometimes, there are those who must go out and claim their dragons.”

“Maybe it was fate,” Valaena said softly. “Maybe my egg didn’t hatch because Silverwing was meant for me.”

Jace nodded, considering her words. “It takes a great deal of courage to stand in front of a dragon and do what you did.”

Valaena’s fingers brushed over silver dragon chain that fastened across her body. “Just like Aemond and Vhagar,” she said, her voice quieter now.

At the mention of Aemond, Jace’s expression quickly soured. “That’s different,” he said sharply. “You claimed a dragon that didn’t belong to someone else.”

Valaena scoffed, narrowing her eyes. “We don’t own the dragons, Jacaerys. They are sentient, intelligent creatures capable of making their own decisions. Like it or not, Vhagar chose Aemond that night. She saw something in him, and we both know that if she didn’t want to accept him, she would have reduced him to a pile of ash.”

“But Rhaena—”

“Vhagar was her mother’s dragon,” Valaena interrupted, her tone firm but not unkind. “I understand why she wanted to claim her, but that doesn’t give her the automatic right to do so. Look at Meleys. She once belonged to Daemon’s mother, and yet she refused him. His own mother’s dragon, and she wouldn’t have him. But she bent her neck to Rhaenys.”

Jace faltered, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I guess when you put it like that-”

Valaena’s tone softened, but her resolve remained firm. “It was Aemond’s right as a Targaryen to claim Vhagar, and he lost his eye for it. You might want to remember that the next time you cast scorn upon him.”

Before Jace could respond, she turned and descended the stairs, disappearing into the cavern below.

Silverwing landed on the sand with a resonant thud, her powerful wings kicking up a swirl of salt-tinged air.

Valaena slid gracefully down the dragon’s shimmering silver wing, her boots sinking slightly into the soft ground.

As she dusted herself off, her gaze shifted to where Vhagar loomed nearby, feasting on what appeared to be a large whale she had recently caught.

Silverwing chittered, a sound halfway between curiosity and a plea, and moved cautiously toward Vhagar, clearly interested in sharing the spoils.

For a moment, the older dragon seemed disinclined to share, her massive head lifting to stare down at the smaller Silverwing with an almost reproachful glare.

But then, with a deep huff that sprayed sand and bits of seawater into the air, Vhagar relented, shifting aside slightly. Silverwing chirped in triumph and eagerly joined the feast.

Valaena huffed a laugh, watching the two dragons interact with a mixture of affection and awe. She adjusted her riding leathers and sash before heading toward the small cabin nestled amidst the rocks and trees.

When she pushed open the door, warmth and the soft crackle of the fire greeted her. Aemond was seated in a chair by the hearth, his sword resting against the arm, but as soon as his eye met hers, he rose swiftly.

He crossed the room in a few long strides, his hands immediately cradling her face as he kissed her deeply.

When they parted, Aemond rested his forehead against hers and whispered, “Happy name day, my love.”

Valaena blushed, the warmth in his voice causing her stomach to flutter. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice soft.

“I have something for you,” he said, stepping back slightly. He retrieved a small box from a nearby table and handed it to her.

Valaena opened it carefully, her breath catching when she saw the pendant nestled inside—a small, brilliant sapphire that caught the firelight and shimmered like the sea.

Her lips curved into a smile. “Is this—?”

“Yes,” Aemond interrupted, his tone soft but firm. “A piece of my sapphire.”

He took the necklace from the box as Valaena eagerly turned around, gathering her long, dark hair and holding it up for him.

Aemond fastened the delicate chain around her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin.

“How is the sapphire?” she asked, her voice curious.

Wordlessly, Aemond removed his eyepatch, revealing the jewel nestled where his left eye had once been. The surrounding skin was faintly red, but it was healing well.

Valaena’s hand reached up instinctively, her fingers gently caressing the scarred side of his face. Her gaze lingered on the sapphire, its mesmerizing hue catching the firelight, before her eyes returned to his.

Her thumb brushed along the sharp edge of his jaw, her touch tender.

“You’re so beautiful,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe. “Truly.”

Aemond’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, the vulnerability in his expression replaced with a small, grateful smile. “D-do you like the necklace?” he asked, his voice quieter now.

“I love it,” Valaena said, sincerity shining in her dark eyes. “Thank you.”

Relief and joy softened his features as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. His arms encircled her, pulling her flush against him.

Their shared warmth seemed to banish the chill of the night, and Valaena’s hands found their way into his hair as she kissed him back fervently.

When they finally broke apart, breathless, Valaena’s cheeks were flushed. “I-I’m ready,” she said, her voice trembling slightly with both nerves and determination. “I-I want to lie with you.”

Aemond froze for a moment, his eye searching hers. “Are you sure?” he asked softly, his tone gentle but firm. “We don’t have to”

“I’m sure,” she replied, nodding with conviction. “I want this. I want you.”

Aemond’s lips curved into a soft, reverent smile. “Okay,” he said. “But if at any point it becomes too much or you want to stop, just say the word.”

Valaena nodded, her heart racing but her resolve steady. Slowly, she began to undress, her fingers trembling slightly as she unclasped the dragon chain and slipped out of her riding leathers.

She draped them over the back of a chair, followed by her shift, leaving her bare save for the sapphire pendant that was now rested against her chest.

Valaena took a deep breath and climbed into the bed, pulling the fur-lined covers around herself.

Aemond followed suit, removing his leathers, before slipping beneath the blankets beside her.

For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy with anticipation, until Valaena reached for him. Her touch was hesitant yet eager, her fingers brushing against his arm before trailing upward.

Aemond leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that quickly deepened, his hand cradling her cheek before sliding into her hair.

As their kiss deepened, Valaena gently tugged him with her as she lay back, drawing him closer.

His body shifted, half-draped over hers, their forms pressing together as the world outside faded into nothingness.

Aemond pulled away from the kiss and began to shimmy down the bed, before lowering his head between Valaena’s legs.

“W-What are you doing?” asked Valaena her voice shaking.

“Shhh ñuha jorrāelagon-” rasped Aemond (my love).

“Aemond-” shrieked Valaena her eyes rolling into the back of her head as Aemond’s tongue swept across her slick wet folds.

Valaena bit her lip to step her from screaming as Aemond began using his long fingers to tease her entrance.

“Let me hear you” groaned Aemond, his own hips rutting into the bed.

“A-Aemond. Oh god. Please” begged Valaena.

“Does it feel good?”

“Yes-yes, so g-good” breathed Valaena, her fingers coiling in Aemond’s silver hair.

Aemond pressed two fingers inside Valaena, moving them against a spot that made her entire body shake, his tongue moving against her folds, his lips wrapping around her pearl.

“I know your almost there. Let it happen my sweet. Peak for me” whispered Aemond.

Valaena arched her back and let out a scream as her pleasure erupted.

Aemond crawled up Valaena’s body, placing gentle kisses on her skin as he moved higher and higher.

Aemond paused when he got to her chest, his hand gently cupping her breast before he sucked the rosy bud into his mouth, his tongue rolling around the stiffened peak.

“Ohhh Aemond” whined Valaena.

Aemond released her nipple with a soft pop and smirked “Do you like that?”

Valaena nodded and blushed furiously when she saw that Aemond’s chin was shining with her slick.

“Calm yourself ñuha nūmio” murmured Aemond (My pearl).

“I-I’m ready” muttered Valaena jumping slightly when she felt Aemond’s cock against her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go slow” whispered Aemond.

“I-I trust you” whispered Valaena nervously.

Aemond smiled before he knelt between her thighs, supporting himself above her on his forearm while his other hand guides his cock to her wet centre.

“Oooh Aemond” exclaims Valaena.

Aemond slowly pushes the blunt head of his cock inside. Just the tip feels okay but then he’s pushing inside, and it stings, Valaena takes a deep breath and clenches her eyes shut as Aemond keeps moving until his cock fully slides into her, his hips coming to rest against hers.

“Are you ok?” asked Aemond.

“It hurts,” cried Valaena.

“Do you want me to stop-I can pull out” whispered Aemond raising his hand and tracing his thumb over her plump bottom lip.

“N-No g-give me a moment” whimpered Valaena.

Aemond nods, holding himself above Valaena, she can feel his cock throbbing and twitching inside her.

For a few silent minutes, Aemond begins to press gentle kisses all over Valaena’s face and neck, then after the sting has faded somewhat, Valaena gently moves her hips.

“I-I think you can move”.

Aemond exhales shakily, slowly pulling out halfway only to thrust right back in.

“You’re taking me so well-” whispers Aemond soothingly, thrusting again, harder this time.

Gradually he gets into a rhythm, his movements slow but powerful.

Valaena slides her hands up his back towards up to his shoulders, clinging to him as his thrusts shift her up and down the bed. The wooden frame creaking slightly.

Aemond makes a strangled sort of sound and lowers himself onto Valaena even more, kissing her passionately.

His cock still thrusting in and out.

Valaena kisses him back, threading her fingers through his long silky hair.

Aemond breaks the kiss, breathing heavily.

Valaena can feel herself clenching around him as his cock keeps hitting the same spot inside her.

“Ooo Aemond-f-faster. P-please”

“A-Are you sure?” asked Aemond.

“Yes. Please I want to feel you” whispered Valaena.

Aemond groans as he begins to move faster pounding into her, their skin slapping together.

“Aemond-Aemond-”

“You’re so fucking perfect, mine all mine” growls Aemond as he reaches down and circles her pearl with his finger.

“Y-Yes, yours all yours” moans Valaena squirming as her pleasure peaks and she explodes.

Aemond lets out a long low groan, removing his finger as his hips buck wildly. His cock twitching as he spills his seed into her.

Aemond’s hips finally stagger and stop, his cock still twitching slightly. His face buried in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent as he rests for a moment before he slowly pulls out.

Valaena gasps as he slips from her, and Aemond looks down to see a mix of blood and his seed staining his cock.

Aemond slowly climbs out of bed and soaks a rag in the basin of warm water near the fire, he comes back to bed and gently cleans between Valaena’s legs, careful not to hurt her.

“Is this, ok?” asked Aemond.

“I-Its fine” replied Valaena, her cheeks tinged pink as Aemond finishes cleaning her.

He returns to the basin, wetting the rag one more time before cleaning himself and then he comes back to bed, climbing back in and wrapping his arms around Valaena, a sigh of contentment escaping her as she lays her head on his chest.

The room was quiet save for the soft crackle of the fire, the flickering light casting warm shadows over the cabin's wooden walls.

Valaena lay nestled in Aemond’s arms, her head resting on his chest as he held her close beneath the fur-lined blankets. His hand traced lazy circles on her back, and she could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her cheek.

“Are you okay?” Aemond asked softly, his voice gentle as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“I’m fine,” Valaena whispered, her voice still tinged with shyness. She tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “Are you?”

“I am,” he replied with a small smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Valaena traced patterns on his chest with her fingers, her cheeks warming as she hesitated before whispering, “D-did you enjoy it? W-was I g-good?”

Aemond’s brow furrowed slightly in surprise, and he cupped her face with his hand. “I enjoyed it immensely,” he said, his tone steady and reassuring. “Why would you think otherwise?”

“I-I’ve never done it before, and-” she admitted softly, her gaze falling to the hollow of his throat, unable to meet his eye.

Aemond placed a gentle finger against her lips, silencing her. “My experience with Sylvi was nothing compared to what we just shared,” he said firmly. “She was nothing, and—” His voice softened, his eye locking with hers. “-You are everything.”

Tears pricked the corners of Valaena’s eyes as she smiled and whispered, “I love you so much.”

Aemond leaned down and kissed her tenderly. “I love you too,” he murmured against her lips before deepening the kiss, his fingers tangling in her hair.

When they finally parted, Valaena giggled softly, her cheeks tinged with pink. “That thing with your tongue,” she began shyly, “did you learn that—”

Aemond’s cheeks flushed a deep red as he interrupted quickly, “No! I-I asked Aegon for advice on how to-please a woman.”

Valaena blinked in surprise, then laughed softly. “Oh, well, I suppose he is quite knowledgeable on the subject.”

Aemond huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “It’s about the only subject he does excel in.”

Valaena giggled again before her expression grew more serious. “When I get back to Dragonstone, I’ll have to ask Maester Gerardys for some moon tea.”

Aemond’s brow furrowed slightly. “Won’t he tell your mother?”

“No,” Valaena said with confidence. “I trust him. He’s the one who helps send my letters to you.”

Aemond nodded thoughtfully. “Isn’t he the Maester who made that salve for my eye that you sent me?”

“Yes,” Valaena replied. “He’s quite skilled and very knowledgeable about healing methods.”

“That salve worked wonders,” Aemond said, a hint of disdain creeping into his voice. “Far better than the piss-water Maester Orwyle prescribed.”

Valaena laughed softly. “Mayhaps Orwyle has his limits on what he knows.”

“Possibly,” Aemond mused. “Though you should see the state my father is in. That man’s beyond saving.”

Valaena’s expression grew serious as she propped herself up on her elbow, the covers slipping from her shoulders, revealing her bare chest.

Aemond’s eye momentarily lingered, captivated, before she interrupted his thoughts.

“Is my grandsire really that bad?” she asked.

Aemond cleared his throat, trying to focus. “We’re not permitted to see him. Not that he would want to see us anyway. But last I heard, whatever rot has set upon him has taken his right eye.”

Valaena’s lips parted in shock. “Oh, that sounds horrendous. But forgive me for saying-rather poetic.”

Aemond tilted his head, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“You lost your eye,” Valaena said softly. “And now he’s lost his.”

Aemond hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t suppose he cares either way.”

Valaena lay back down, her expression troubled. “It saddens me greatly that he does not treat you as a father should.”

Aemond brushed a finger over her cheek. “I’ve grown used to his indifference.”

“Still, it shouldn’t be that way,” she murmured, her voice heavy with sympathy.

Aemond’s finger continued to trace her skin, his tone softening. “What’s my uncle like as a father?”

Valaena smiled faintly. “Pretty good. He taught me High Valyrian and gave me lessons on dragon riding. But mostly, he just chases after my mother. The two of them are always kissing, holding hands, and disappearing off to their chambers.”

Aemond chuckled, shaking his head. “And to think, my grandsire believed Daemon was a second Maegor, when in reality he’s just-cuntstruck”

Valaena burst into laughter. “You can say that again.”

Aemond’s grin widened. “Speaking of again-” He shifted closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “I wish to take you again. If you’ll have me.”

Valaena’s laughter faded as she gazed into his eye, her heart fluttering as she felt his cock hardening against her.

She leaned in and kissed him, her voice breathy against his lips. “Of course I’ll have you.”

With that, Aemond rolled on top of her, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss, their shared warmth igniting once more as the fire crackled beside them.

Over the following weeks, Aemond and Valaena became utterly consumed by their passion for one another.

Their stolen moments at the cabin became the centre of their world, a sanctuary where they could leave behind the pressures of their families and simply be together.

Valaena often arrived at the cabin before Aemond, her heart racing in anticipation of his arrival.

The moment he stepped through the door, she would launch herself into his arms, their lips colliding in a heated kiss that left no room for words.

Clothes were hastily removed, their eagerness rendering them heedless of where they were.

Many times, they didn’t even make it to the bed, their passion igniting on the wooden floor before the crackling fire.

Sometimes, their passion spilled beyond the walls of the cabin. There were times where Aemond would press Valaena against the side of the cabin, his lips trailing kisses down her neck, whilst he pounded inside her with a series of deep penetrating thrusts.

Or they found themselves on the sandy shore, the waves lapping over their feet and legs as they made love under the stars.

The two of them take the time to learn each other’s bodies, experiencing an intimacy like nothing either of them had ever felt before.

Aemond would trace idle patterns on Valaena’s bare skin, whispering words of love in High Valyrian, and she would smile, her fingers tangling in his silvery hair.

Of course, when Valaena returned to Dragonstone after their encounters, there was always had a cup of moon tea waiting for her, the herbal concoction steaming on the hidden ledge under her desk.

She would hold her nose and down the bitter liquid in one gulp, grimacing at the foul aftertaste.

But it was necessary as Aemond would always spill his seed inside her, and they were both too young to bear the weight of children just yet.

They sometimes spoke in soft whispers of a future where they might be blessed with a babe or two, but for now, Valaena was content, she cherished the time they had together, their secret world of love and desire.

Aemond, too, seemed utterly at peace in those moments, his usual sharp intensity softening when he held her in his arms.

For now, it was enough for the two of them to share their stolen happiness.

Yet a shadow hung over their relationship, growing darker with each passing day. Aemond’s frustration was mounting, his restlessness palpable.

The secrecy that bound them, was becoming like a cage. He yearned for more, for a life where they could be together openly, without fear or restraint.

The ache in his chest when they parted gnawed at him, sharper each time he mounted Vhagar to return to the Red Keep alone. His love for her was all-consuming, and the distance between them was unbearable.

Valaena saw it in his eye, in the way his grip tightened when they said their farewells.

It was only a matter of time before Aemond’s frustrations boiled over—before the simmering anger and longing he held back could no longer be contained.

It happened a few weeks later, after yet another night of passion that left them tangled in the sheets and each other’s arms.

The firelight flickered softly in the dim cabin, their breaths still mingling in the aftermath.

Valaena lay draped over Aemond’s chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his skin, their shared silence a comfort.

Aemond then broke the silence with a frustrated sigh. "I’m tired of this, Valaena. Tired of sneaking around. Tired of hiding what we are."

Valaena fingers, stilled and she propped herself up on one of her elbows, looking down at him with a mixture of sadness and apprehension.

"Aemond, you know why we have to keep this secret. If anyone finds out—"

"I don’t care!" he snapped, sitting up abruptly, dislodging her. "Do you hear me? I don’t care what they think. I want to be with you openly. To stand before everyone and say you are mine."

"And what do you think will happen then?" Valaena shot back, her voice rising. "Do you think they’ll smile and bless us? They’ll tear us apart, Aemond! You know this!"

Aemond’s face darkened, and his voice dropped to a dangerous edge. "I refuse to accept that. I won’t let them control my life—or yours."

Valaena’s frustration boiled over, her voice cracking with emotion. "You think I like this? Do you think I enjoy sneaking around like some thief in the night? I hate it as much as you do, but we don’t have a choice!”

“There’s always a choice,” Aemond growled, standing and pacing the small space.

“Is there?” Valaena asked, her tone sharp and biting. “Do you think they’ll just allow us to be together? Do you think our family will just smile and nod? Aemond, wake up!”

He whirled on her, his single eye blazing with fury. “Do not speak to me as if I’m a child, Valaena. I understand the risks better than anyone!”

Valaena stiffened, drawing back slightly to meet his gaze. "We’ve been over this, Aemond. It has to be this way—for now."

"For now?" he scoffed, sitting up and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He scrubbed a hand over his face, his jaw tight with frustration. "More like forever. Let’s not delude ourselves."

“-Aemond! If we’re discovered, they’ll tear us apart!”

"Then maybe I should find someone else," he spat, the words escaping before he could stop them.

The words hit her like a blow, and for a moment, Valaena could only stare at him, her breath hitching.

“What?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Maybe I should find someone that doesn’t require me to participate in this ridiculous charade,” he said, his tone biting and cruel, though the pain in his eye betrayed him.

“FINE!” Valaena screamed, tears streaming down her face. “Go! Find someone else! Someone who will parade around with you and feed your ego”

Aemond’s jaw tightened, his chest heaving with anger. “Maybe I will,” he spat, grabbing his tunic and yanking it over his head and then pulling on his breeches and boots.

“GOOD!”” Valaena shouted, her voice cracking. “I’m sure there are plenty of simpering court ladies just dying to spread their legs for you!"

Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the cabin.

Valaena scrambled after him, tears streaming down her face. "Aemond, wait, please!"

But he ignored her, storming out of the cabin and into the cool night air. He reached Vhagar, hastily climbing the rope ladder.

The old dragon rumbled in confusion at his hurried commands, but obeyed nonetheless, taking off into the night sky.

The rush of wind and the familiar power of flight did little to calm him. His mind churned with anger and regret, the argument playing on a loop in his head.

Aemond then realized, with a heavy pang, that Valaena had been right.

The chasm within their family grew wider with each passing day, and though he loathed to admit it, their love was yet another crack threatening to deepen that divide.

If their relationship was discovered, the fallout would be catastrophic.

Aemond imagined his mother’s stern rebuke, her sharp words dripping with disappointment, mostly likely followed by a sharp slap.

His grandsire would look upon him with disdain, lecturing him on how reckless and idiotic he was, and the danger he posed to his own future.

Aegon, ever the hedonist, would undoubtedly slap him on the back, making some vulgar jest about his conquest, entirely blind—or wilfully ignorant—to the gravity of the situation.

But none of that frightened him as much as what Valaena would face.

The thought of her suffering for their love churned his stomach. He had taken her maidenhead. She was no longer virtuous in the eyes of the lords and ladies of Westeros.

The thought of her being deemed unworthy, rejected for something as sacred to him as their love, filled him with rage.

No highborn lord would take her to wife now, not when her honour was deemed sullied.

The idea of another man even daring to look at her, let alone touch her, sent jealousy surging through his veins like wildfire. His hands clenched into fists, his jaw tightening.

No. He wouldn’t allow it.

Valaena was his—his love, his partner, his heart. She had given herself to him willingly and completely. She was everything he could ever want—the one light in the shadows of his world.

The mere thought of losing her, of never holding her again, shattered him.

Valaena had been his truest friend as a child, the one soul who had understood him when no one else could.

Now, she was his greatest love, the centre of his very being. The weight of it all—their love, the risk, the uncertainty—crushed his chest, making it impossible to breathe.

Aemond clenched the reins, his voice raw as he shouted into the night, "FUUUUCK!"

Vhagar rumbled in response, as though sharing his frustration. Aemond pulled on the reins, turning her back toward Wendwater. His heart pounded as the cabin came into view, with Silverwing still perched nearby.

Relief flooded through him—she hadn’t left.

Vhagar landed with a thud, and as Aemond climbed down the ladder, she gave him a look of reproach. He ran a hand along her massive neck. "Kessa, nyke gīmigon nyke iā mittys," he muttered. (Yes, I know I’m an idiot)

Vhagar grumbled as if in agreement, lumbering off toward Silverwing, who seemed equally displeased, her lashing at the ground.

Aemond took a deep breath and stepped into the cabin. His heart ached at the sight before him. Valaena lay curled on the bed, her face buried in the pillows as she sobbed.

Quickly discarding his clothes, he climbed into bed beside her, gathering her trembling form into his arms.

"I’m sorry," he murmured, his lips brushing her temple. "I’m so sorry, Valaena."

She sniffled, clutching at him desperately. "I thought you’d left me."

"Never," he vowed, his voice cracking with emotion. "Forgive me."

Valaena pressed her face into his chest, her tears dampening his skin. "I do," she whispered after a moment.

Aemond let out a shaky breath, holding her tighter. "You were right. If we’re discovered, they’ll tear us apart, and I’m not sure I’d survive it."

"Me either," Valaena admitted softly. "You are my heart and soul."

"And you are mine," Aemond said firmly.

As they lay entwined in the flickering firelight, Valaena’s tears began to fall again, silent and unrelenting, a reflection of the pain in her heart. Her voice wavered, raw with anguish, as she finally broke the silence.

“I hate this, Aemond,” she whispered, her fingers digging into his back as though anchoring herself to him, desperate to keep him from vanishing into the shadows. “Believe me, I hate every moment of sneaking around. I want so much more for us.”

Aemond’s heart twisted at the pain in her voice. He gently cupped her tear-streaked cheek, his thumb brushing away the wetness. “Then tell me, Valaena,” he murmured, his voice low and thick with emotion. “Tell me what you want.”

Her shimmering eyes locked onto his, and her voice broke as she poured her heart out, the words tumbling from her lips like a flood she could no longer hold back.

“I wish you could stand before the world and declare your intentions to marry me,” she began, her voice trembling with the weight of her dreams. “I wish we could have a ceremony in the Great Sept, with bells ringing and the entire realm gathered to witness our love. I want to stand there, draped in Targaryen red and black, and feel your cloak fastened over my shoulders. To hear you pledge yourself to me, to speak the vows that would bind us forever—and for me to do the same.”

Aemond’s lips parted, his voice barely a breath. “Ñuha jorrāelagon” he murmured softly, (My love).

Valaena’s tears spilled freely now, her voice gaining strength as her longing poured forth. “I want to seal those vows with a kiss, to have our love celebrated, not hidden. I want a grand reception filled with laughter and joy, where our family and friends toast to our union. I want to hold your hand as we sneak off to our chambers, to undress slowly and savour every moment. To make love all night without fear, without restraint, because the world would know we belong to each other.”

Aemond’s throat tightened, his own emotions threatening to overcome him. He pressed his forehead to hers, his touch grounding her even as her words sent his heart soaring.

“I want to feel your seed take root inside me,” she continued, her voice barely above a whisper, her hand moving instinctively to rest on her flat stomach. “I want to carry your child, to feel my belly swell with our love. To see the look of joy on your face as you hold our babe for the first time. To watch you become a wonderful, devoted father. I want a family with you, Aemond. A life where we’re free to love each other openly.”

Her voice cracked as a sob escaped her, and she buried her face against his chest. “I hate this secrecy. I hate the lies and the shadows. But even though it breaks my heart, I’d rather have this—this fragment of a life with you—than nothing at all.”

Aemond’s arms tightened around her as if he could shield her from the world’s cruelty, his own tears glistening in the firelight. He pressed a reverent kiss to her temple, his lips lingering as he fought to steady his voice.

“I vow,” he said, his words thick with conviction, “that one day, we will marry. I will drape my cloak over your shoulders, and I will speak the vows that bind us. Before all who are there to look upon us, I will pledge my love to you, my wife, my Queen-”

He drew back slightly, his gaze softening, a quiet smile curving his lips. “We will have as many children as you desire—beautiful, fierce children. Dragon riders, every one of them.”

“Oh-Aemond,” Valaena gasped, her eyes brimming with fresh tears, her heart swelling with love and hope.

“And when the time comes,” he continued, his voice dropping to a tender whisper, “when we have lived a full, rich life together, I will not leave this world without you. We will go together, so that even in death, our spirits remain intertwined. Our love will be eternal.”

His lips hovered over hers, and he kissed her softly, reverently, sealing his words with a promise as unbreakable as Valyrian steel. When he pulled back, his violet eye held hers, filled with a love so fierce it left her breathless.

“I love you, Valaena,” he whispered, his voice breaking under the weight of his emotions. “I always will.”

Valaena nodded against his chest, her tears soaking his skin as she clung to him. “I love you too,” she whispered, her voice fragile but resolute. “But promise me, Aemond. Promise me that we’ll find a way.”

"I promise," Aemond vowed, holding her tightly as though he could shield her from the world. "We will find a way to be together, Valaena. I swear it."

The End.

[lovelypastelsweets]

♡Onychinus' Kitten♡[Part #3:]

Sylus Qin X female!Cat-Hybrid!Reader

{Notes:}

This is my first fan-fiction, if you have any tip/suggestions please let me know!In this story, the 'reader' is NOT the MC, and is female(I don't have an issue with males reading, but I don't know anything about guys, and I want to be authentic. If you'd like a male-reader fan-fic please collaborate with me to deepen my understanding of the male-mind)

{Trigger-warnings:}

This story will contain minor death(of random side characters), mention human-trafficking(not in-detail), being choked until losing consciousness(Described based on my IRL memory of being in a similar situation), the experimentation of humans-subjects, and it may a mention past-trauma that includes sexual-abuse, I haven't decided. But I have PTSD related to sexual-abuse, and I don't want to trigger myself, so if I do include that detail, it will be non-descriptive.

Surrounded by a comfortable warmth, you feel the slight buzzing-feeling of conousness. You gently stir-

[BANG!]

The sound of screams and a loud bang take away that peace at once, replacingitwith terror. You jolt into a sitting position.

[BANG!]

Your heartbeat immediately Increases to a deafening level. Your breathe becomes shallow in an instant as panic rushes through your vains.

Defenseless bodies scurring to the back of the metal incloseers that contained them- the sound of screams that sound like echos in your head- "Why are you doing this!?" A stuttered-statment that barely leaves the mouth of a boy before another "[BANG!]" Is heard.

The chaos around sounds like a distance, muffled dream to you; Your body stays frozen with fear, and the only thought in your mind is 'escape the danger'. You can't see anything. Are your eyes closed? You don't even know, reality is hazy. Your heartbeat so is so loud, too loud-

[BANG!]

"Please! P-please! Don-" a plead that would never have an ending leaves the mouth of a young girl before yet another "[BANG!]" Was heard.

Footsteps. They stop before the front of the enclosure you inhabit, a scientist who you can't recognize through the tears in your eyes, and the sound of your heart. A gun-muzzle aiming at your face-

[BANG!]

"Uhha-guh- ah-eeh! D-damnn yo-u S-!"

The sound of someone struggling along with a curse of someone's name ended with a groaned-scream.

Silence.

Nothing but silence.

You look up to see a tall, unknown man with light, silver hair, and crimson-red eyes, holding the gun the scientist had. Noticing you, he begin to close the distance between you and him. As he walk closer you pressed your body even more against the back-wall of your enclosure as if you could pass through it; Pressing your knees even closer to your chest, while your hands patted and clenched the back wall.

The man stopped and if front of you.

Y/N: "S-s-stay back-k.. Don't.... Please.."

The man only continues to silently analyze you as your weak, whispered threat leaves your trembling lips that are now wet with tears. At the man's lack of a reaction to your threat, and being expectant to receive a bullet in suite of your friends, you merely bury your head into your knees.

"Look at me."

A deep, rumbling voice orders. The sudden statement causes you to jump a little, but you only bury your head further into your knees as a response.Unbeknownst to you, the man before you didn't expect you to comply in your current state. Red and black mist gently lefts you, bringing you closer to the man. You didn't notice until-

Sylus: "I told you to look at me."

The man's voice is suddenly right in front of you. You jolt, your head shooting upwards.

Y/N: "Ahh! A-ah, ah-!"

You try to scramble away, but to no avail. You begin to scream, but before much can be vocalized, the man covers your mouth with his hand. His other hand cups your throat and begins squeeze. Your hands clasp his wrists, even as you tighten your grip and begin to claw, he doesn't falter.

Your head feels fuzzy, and light- or maybe you can't feel your head- maybe your head is the only thing you can feel- the world is a blur- the sound of your heartbeat is the only one you can hear- everything is being envelope into darkness-

As your conousness fades, you don't see the don't notice the glint of concern in the man's eyes..

♡[To Be Continued]♡

{Notes:}

Eeeee!!!!!!!!!! I didn't expect so many people to like this!! 😖🥺 Thank you guys so much! 🙏🏻🫶🏻Things in this part of the story are complicated, but that was to add to the dramatic feeling of it all. Things will be cleared up in the next part.💕

[thegreymarveljedi]

He’ll Be Home Soon

(Echo x reader)

This idea came to me while at a family gathering. I was just daydreaming and whatever and I thought of this idea and ran with it. This is probably one of the first fics in a while that I’m actually very proud of. It took a few weeks but it feels good to get my motivation back and with a few extra ideas from others on how to keep my works from getting deleted again (thank you @techhasmjolnir , @isthereanechoinhere96 @inkstainedhandswithrings ) I’m back for the new year with a few good stories coming out!

This story takes place starting just before Star Wars the clone wars Season 3 Episode 18 (I am so so sorry lol). I hope you all enjoy this!

(Also, last minute add but divider is done by @stars-n-spice )

Warnings: ANGSTTT, major character ‘death’, ‘5’ stages of grief, mentions of blood, concussion, denial, delusions, mentions of anxiety, hurt/ eventual comfort, tears from many people, fluff, mentions of loneliness/ introvert, insecure Echo, happy ending

Words: 10.6k (Way more than I thought lol)

(Y/N) stood with Echo at the front door of their apartment, watching as he fixed the rest of his armour. She helped where she could, passing him pieces and fixing others that were crooked. He smiled at her as he finished fixing his armour, grabbing his helmet and securing it under his arm.

“I’ll be home before you know it mesh’la. We’re only ment to be gone for 7 rotations minimum and 10 rotations maximum. In and out is what the job is,” he said, looking down at (Y/N) with eyes that conveyed so much confidence and love. Even with his confidence she couldn’t shake her worry, the war weighing on her in so many ways. She was worried for his life more than her own and she wanted so much to join the mission, to ensure he came home to her but she knew it was impossible to convince the council of it.

“I know Echo. But I have a really bad feeling about this mission,” (Y/N) said, placing one of her hands on his chest and the other finding it’s way to his cheek, the stubble on his cheeks tickling her palm, “Just stick close to Fives please? And don’t take any unnecessary risks okay?” She pleaded even while knowing full well that it was futile. She knew Echo would be careful but she also knew that he was a soldier who would do whatever it took to complete the mission.

“With General Skywalker, there’s always risks,” he chuckled, though the face (Y/N) gave him must have made him rethink his joking manner.

“I know that,” she replied, rolling her eyes at the mention of her best friend in the order. (Y/N) had worked with the 501st many times and she knew that Anakin could be reckless with his actions. But she also knew how much he cared for his men, even if he took unnecessary risks. Echo looked at her with a soft smile, his gloved hand coming up to take hold of her own that still rested on his cheek.

“I’m serious Echo. Don’t do anything you shouldn’t do. I need you to come home to me.” Her voice cracked as she spoke those word’s, her emotions spilling over. As a Jedi, attachments were forbidden, a path to the dark side as master Yoda always said. But (Y/N) liked to think that her relationship with Echo was different. She didn’t feel any darkest in her heart or anger when he was gone, all she felt for him was love and the occasional worry. But I guess that worry turned to fear in this case and she knew that master Yoda would frown upon this revelation.

“I will cyar’ika, I promise.” Echo snapped her out of her thoughts, his words touching her heart and easing her mind even if only a little. (Y/N) stared at her handsome arc trooper, his hazel eyes deep pools of wonder that she could admire for hours, his lips so kissable and soft, pulled into an affectionate smile that she wished would never leave. His hair was cut in accordance with regulations but still as soft and fluffy as his heart, the very soft waves tempting her to run her fingers through them. She refrained however, instead choosing to kiss his nose and tilt his head forward toward her own, resting their foreheads together.

“I’m going to hold you to that,” (Y/N) spoke softly, her voice trembling slightly at the thought of letting him go. She knew it was war times and that they had a fight to win, but that didn’t mean she liked it. It didn’t make parting with him any easier.

“I’d expect nothing less from you my dear,” Echo chuckled, his helmet falling from his hands as he wrapped her in his arms one last time. (Y/N) returned the embrace, determined to hold his warmth against her body for as long as she could before he really had to leave.

“Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum ner kar’ta,” Echo whispered, his face buried in her neck as he breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of (Y/N)’s body soap. His hands found her hips, running his gloved palms up and down her sides as her arms remained locked around his neck. The press of his armour against her torso was painful but worth every moment, as long as he was in her arms.

“I love you too Echo. So so much. I always will,” (Y/N) replied just as quietly, not wanting to break the serenity of the moment. After another minute of holding one another his comm went off, the beeping of the device signalling that it was time for him to go.

She gave her beloved trooper one final squeeze, feeling tears prick the corners of her eyes as she begrudgingly let him go. Echo smiled sadly at (Y/N) as she leaned down and retrieved his helmet, tucking it under his arm once again before bidding her a final goodbye. As the door opened to allow him to leave, he turned back to face his cyare once more and blew her a kiss, one that she caught and returned, her hands trembling slightly as she watched him leave.

“I’ll be home soon ner sarad. I promise,” he spoke one final time to her, his smile never leaving his face and the warm affection in his eyes conveying his love. She nodded as the door closed, cutting her off from the love of her life temporarily.

(Y/N) tried her best to hold the tears at bay, her emotions bubbling up and threatening to burst out in full force. She took some deep breathes, composing herself before she looked around the apartment, suddenly feeling so small and alone in the space meant for two. She cracked her neck and sighed, trying to think of everything else besides the handsome trooper who had just left her presence.

“It’s only 7 rotations at minimum. We’ve gone longer without each other. What’s the worst that could happen?”

~Time Skip~

Being on a meditative retreat was relaxing, time away from the fighting and the politics, not having to think about much of anything. It was peaceful, like it should be, even if (Y/N) was still a little worried about Echo. But once he returned, they could disappear off world together for the last week of the retreat, head to Naboo and just relax for a few days.

She smiled at the thought of it, thinking about how relaxing it would be to spend time with my love after he came home. It was 8 rotations ago that Echo and the others had left on their mission, the details of which were still classified to almost all besides the council and a few other veteran Jedi. All she knew was that Anakin and Obi-wan were leading a team to rescue Master Piell.

(Y/N) was snapped out of her thoughts when there was a knock at the door, the sounds firm and stern. She smiled giddily, thinking that it was her trooper coming home and wanting to surprise her. She smoothed out her robes and fixed her hair, ready to greet Echo after a long mission away. She walked over to the door and pressed the panel to open it, her large smile falling as she gazed upon two troopers she hadn’t expected to see.

“Rex, Fives what are you guys doing here? And where’s…” (Y/N)’s eyes went wide and her heart stopped immediately when she noticed that Echo was nowhere to be found next to Fives. Her eyes darted between the two troopers, fear gripping her heart like vice, a cloud of darkness forming around her in the force.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Fives said, his helmet tucked under his arm which allowed her to see his face, eyes bloodshot and tear streaks staining his cheeks. (Y/N) laughed and shook her head, giving Fives a punch to his chest and gesturing for them both to come inside.

“N-no. Stop messing with me. This is another one of your stupid pranks right?” She laughed again, a very unpleasant sounding laugh leaving her lips as her eyes continued to dart between the Arc trooper and the clone captain who had yet to utter a word. The glare Fives sent (Y/N)’s way sent a shiver down her spine, his gaze intense and full of anger.

“I would never joke about this,” Fives hissed, taking a menacing step forward as tears began to gather in his eyes once more. Rex placed a firm hand on Fives’ chest, giving him a small push back and glaring at him. He shook his head, knowing that Fives was hurting but also knowing that (Y/N) had lost the love of her life. Fives realized his mistake and looked over Rex’s shoulder to the woman, eyes finding her horrified expression at the realization that they were telling the truth.

“Bu-but he can’t be. H-he promised me he’d come home.” She shook her head as the words fell from her lips, in disbelief at the prospect that her beloved Arc trooper had fallen in battle. Her knees felt weak, like they couldn’t support her weight any longer. (Y/N) eyes continued to dart between the boys as she took a few steps back into her apartment, the space suddenly feeling even smaller than it did when Echo left.

“I’m- I’m so sorry (Y/N). But he’s gone,” Rex said, his voice that of a defeated captain who had just lost another brother. Her head continued to shake as Rex and Fives slowly walked into the apartment, the doors sliding shut behind them.

The boys knew they were welcome in her home, having hosted them for many nights after a successful mission. This however, was a different monster entirely. Echo was gone and they were in mourning, (Y/N)’s own mind having an impossible time coming to terms with these revelations. She could feel the cloud of sadness growing, gripping her heart and taking over her senses.

Their eyes looked sad and genuine as they told (Y/N) what happened to her soldier, how bravely he fought and how tragic the mission was as a whole. She felt her heart crack as they continued to retell it, wanting them stop but knowing that, deep down, she needed to know. She felt like her legs would give out, the trembling getting more and more violent as their recounting of the mission went on. Fives had deposited himself at the dinning room table, his helmet long forgot by the front door as Rex stayed standing.

“N-no. Nonono.” (Y/N)’s words seemed so distant even to her own ears, stumbling over her feet as she continued to step back, trying her best to back away from the reality of this situation. She knew she was in denial, Rex and Fives’ presence telling her all she needed but it didn’t feel real. It felt like someone was pulling the world right out from under her feet, reaching into her chest and tearing a piece of her heart away. There was ringing, so loud and annoying, like an alarm in her ears that didn’t seem to stop.

“I’m deeply sorry vod’ika. He fought like a hero and died a hero,” whoever said that, their voice was distant to (Y/N)’s ears, the ringing intensifying tenfold her heart crumbled in her chest. She began hyperventilating, as if she was falling down a dark hole with no visible way out. She blindly reached for the counter in the kitchen, trying to find some kind of solid surface to keep her grounded.

“I-I-” words seemed to fail her, the world around her growing darker and darker as her knees began to give out. She couldn’t feel her lower half or even her fingers, her body failing her just as the words did.

“(Y/N)?” Rex asked, Fives perking up at the concern in the captains voice. He turned to look at (Y/N) and his eyes went wide, seeing her shake and stumble. He was on his feet and walking over to where she stood immediately, knowing that Echo would come back from the grave and shoot him if he let anything happen to his cyare.

“I-I can’t fe-feel my legs…” (Y/N) said, so quietly that both men almost missed what she said. Her vision went black, eyes rolling into the back of her head as the ground seemed to swallow her. Her consciousness came crashing down, the force around her swirling a deep purple. Her subconscious mind could feel her falling, fingers on the counter slipping off as her body came hurtling toward the hard surface of the floor.

“(Y/N)!” Fives yelped, catching her before she could hit the ground, but not before her head slammed into the counter, a loud thunk reverberating through the apartment. Rex was by her side in an instant as well, helping Fives to slowly bring her to the ground. Rex turned her over slowly to check on the spot where she hit her head, blood oozing from the wound.

He cursed and stood up, moving to grab the first aid kit from under the sink as Fives quickly sent a message to Kix. Rex came back with the kit and a damp cloth, holding it against (Y/N)’s head to try and stop the bleeding.

“Let’s move her to the couch, carefully,” Rex said and Fives nodded, feeling quite guilty that they hadn’t told (Y/N) to sit down before they told her the tragic news. His mind went to his fallen twin, seeing his helmet lying there on the durasteel of the citadel landing pad. It was burnt, fried to a crisp from the explosion, but he had begged Ahsoka to use the force and bring it to them, needing to take the last part of his twin home.

“Comm Kix now.” Rex snapped Fives out of his thoughts, his voice somehow calm even with the current situation as they brought (Y/N) over to the couch to lay her down. Rex quickly placed down a few extra clean towels to stop the blood from seeping into the couch, not wanting to make (Y/N)’s apartment feel any more chilling.

“He’s already on his way,” Fives replied, his eyes downcast as he held (Y/N)’s hand. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for him to do so, (Y/N) accepting the small gesture of platonic affection whenever the boys came over after a mission. He held it is gentle, as if trying to ground them both and come to terms with the reality that his twin was gone. It was so hard to grasp, Fives struggling to understand how much this had effect (Y/N).

“Should we have waited to tell her?” The words fell from his lip before he could stop them, voice soft yet defeated. Rex took a moment to mull over Fives words, knowing that they were all grieving. But he hadn’t wanted to keep (Y/N) in the dark about this, especially when he knew she’d hear that they were home. It wasn’t right to keep this from her no matter how much he wanted to.

“No. It needed to be done now,” he said firmly, though his words lacked their usual confident conviction. He stared down at (Y/N), someone who had been a second in command to him many times, saved his and his brothers lives more times than he could count and always welcomed them into her home with open arms.

“But why?” Fives said quietly, looking to Rex with such sadness and despair written across his features.

“Because I don’t feel right lying to her. She doesn’t deserve that,” Rex said, his eyes turning to look at Fives before turning back to look at (Y/N). Her unconscious expression was unreadable, her face neutral even if the rest of her body was tense. Her skin had drained of some of its colour, once vibrant but now dimmed and dull. Rex turned back to Fives, watching the emotions pass along the Arc troopers face as he started at his twin’s cyare.

“I know you just lost your twin, Fives. But this is his Cyar’ika. Even if it hurts to shatter her world, she deserved to know that he went out like a hero,” Rex said, placing a hand on Fives shoulder to try and convey his thoughts to his Vod. Fives only nodded, not wanting to be reminded of such a tragic event. It was still fresh in his mind, that much was true, but for as long as he could, he wanted to just pretend it wasn’t real.

“I know Rex. It just…hurts. A lot,” Fives said, his voice cracking as the tears returned, the emotions no longer wanting to stay hidden behind the mask he had managed to put on. He removed his gloves, putting them down on the Caf table along with his chest plate and gauntlets.

“I know Fives. I know,” Rex said with a sigh, moving to do the same as Fives. They removed their armour silently, placing it neatly in piles by the door as they waited for Kix to arrive.

“Should we have given her the holo instead,” Fives said as he removed his belt and pulled the small device from one of the compartments. He remembered the moment that Echo had given him the holo tape, telling him that…

“If something happens to me, I need you to give this to (Y/N). She needs to hear what is in this and I need her to know that I love her.”

“I don’t know,” Rex’s shoulders sagged as he thought about it all, loosing one of the troopers he had trained since shiny, one of the 501st brothers he was closest too, “This way at least, we can stay with her and help her through this.” Rex had seen the holo before, having been close by to Echo when he had reordered it. He knew what it said and had even teared up a little at how sentimental it was.

“Will we ever give it to her?” This time it was Fives to break the temporary silence that had fallen over the apartment, looking at (Y/N)with sad eyes.

“I don’t know,” Rex said. Before he could utter another word, there was a firm and slightly frantic knocking at the door. It slid open to reveal Kix with his med kit and Hardcase and Jesse behind him, both sporting grim expressions. They quickly walked into the apartment and closed the door, Jesse initiating the lock as soon as they were all in.

~

“There isn’t much we can do right now but I suggest we tell general Skywalker,” Kix said as he put his stethoscope away, standing up and depositing his med kit next to the front door along with the rest of the boys armour.

“We can’t. What will he do?” Jesse asked curiously, knowing that yes, Anakin and (Y/N) were best friends, but was this really something that he could help her with. He and the others knew that attachments for Jedi were forbidden but they had chosen to stand by their Vod and his cyar’ika. None of them knew what their general would say though.

“He might be able to help,” Hardcase replied, his voice low and timid which was a bit of a shock to the others considering Hardcase was always so loud and boisterous. Hardcase cast his eyes to (Y/N), watching as she lay there unconscious. He knew that this was going to affect her greatly but he wanted to help in any way he could. They all did.

“How?” Jesse snapped without thinking about his tone, his own emotions over the situation much more uncontrollable.

“I don’t know okay! But we can’t just leave her alone to wallow in her grief. Echo wouldn’t want that,” Hardcase snapped back, his usual volume returning though his words only held sadness and despair. A silence befell the room at that moment. The five men thinking over what they could do to help their other general, their sister. It was another few moments of silence before Rex went to speak up, his words being interrupted by a groan and coughing. The boys all turned their heads to look at (Y/N), all equally concerned for her wellbeing after what happened.

“Vod’ika are you okay?” Fives asked quietly, his hand giving (Y/N)’s a gentle squeeze as she slowly and carefully turned her head left and right. She could feel the dull throbbing pain of where she hit her hit, the bacta patch in the wound helping to smooth the spot.

She spoke no words as she took in the state of the apartment, not many things out of place but enough that she began to make a plan in her head of how to clean them up. She took another survey of the space, noting that there were now five troopers present rather than two. She didn’t mind the extra company, though right now she felt as if she wanted to be left alone. She tried to sit up, her body feeling heavy, as though her heart had been ripped in two. Her head felt foggy, like there was a missing piece of the puzzle though that was definitely the concussion, she deduced.

“General?” Kix asked tentatively, helping (Y/N) to sit up with the help of Rex and Fives. They say he up again the back rest of the couch, making sure to place pillows around to help her sit comfortably. She gave a short nod in thanks, feeling like there was so much more to say but no words to articulate how she was feeling.

“This is all just a bad dream,” she said, smoothing one of her hands down her face. This had to be a bad dream, there was no way her was gone. The pieces of her heart were scatter, the fog of her mind still swirling with thoughts that Echo would be home soon.

“I wish it were (Y/N). But it’s not. I’m sorry,” Rex said, hanging his head in shame that he couldn’t bring his younger brother home. The others in the room mimicked Rex, all of them feeling awful for what happened, especially Fives. The guilt of the incident weighted on him most of all, not having done enough to prevent Echo from pushing for the shuttle prematurely.

“I should clean up, he’ll be home soon,” (Y/N) said slightly dazed, as if on autopilot and not fully present in her own body. She went to stand up, a little too fast as she stumbled, being caught by Kix, Rex and Fives. They all looked at her confused, not fully understanding what she meant with her words.

“Who?” Hardcase asked tentatively, slightly fearful of the answer her would receive. Kix and Rex steadied (Y/N) on her feet, making sure that she was physically stable before letting go, even then their hands weren’t too far away. (Y/N) looked at Hardcase with an innocent smile, one to innocent for a grieving woman who just found out that she had lost the love of her life.

“Echo. He’ll be home soon so I need to clean this place up,” (Y/N) said moving away from the couch and towards to the kitchen where there was a very small pile of dishes and a warm meal prepared. She would offer some to the guys but it was Echo’s favourite and she didn’t want him to have any less when he came home.

“(Y/N),” Jesse spoke, his tone one of disbelief. Had she not heard anything they had said to her for the last hour? Or was this the denial stage of grief. He looked over to Rex and Kix who were already looking at each other, both not knowing how to go about this situation.

“You guys should go, before Anakin starts wondering where you all are,” she said, picking up the sponge on the side of the counter and beginning to scrub what dishes were in the sink. She surveyed the counter looking for anymore before her eyes landed on the spot where she hit her head, the counter covered in a little bit of blood.

“But-“ Kix began but was cut off very abruptly.

“I have to clean up.” (Y/N)’s words were sharp, cutting through the tension of the room like a lightsaber. She sighed and reached under the counter for the bleach, pulling on gloves and pouring some bleach onto a clean cloth. She wiped the spot down until it sparkled, going over it with a damp cloth with water and soap.

“We can help you.”

“Thank you Fives. But I’ve got this. I want to make everything look just right for when he comes home,” (Y/N) replied and used the force to throw the bleached towel into the washing machine and turn it on.

“Vod’ika,” Fives said, him voice quiet as he tried to move towards (Y/N), only being stopped by Kix’s hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at his older brother while shook his head, not want to escalate the situation to a point where they couldn’t come back from. Fives hung his head in defeat, feeling even more helpless than before. He was watching as someone who he considered to be his sister, denied that the love of her life was gone.

“He promised me he’d come home,” (Y/N) whispered to herself, a smile on her face and her brain still foggy. Echo was going to come home to her, she knew it. Fives again went to approach her but this time with the holotape in his hands. However this time he was stopped by Jesse and Hardcase, both shaking their heads just as Kix did. Fives huffed in annoyance, shrugging both his brother’s hands off his shoulders and making his way to the front door, throwing on his armour quickly before leaving, tears streaming down his face as he left.

Rex watched Fives walk out, the knowledge of how frustrated the arc trooper was weighing in him like a gunship. Rex turned back face (Y/N) watching as she continued to cleanse the kitchen, going over surfaces that had already been cleaned.

“He’s not coming back (Y/N). He’s gone,” Rex said, desperation in his voice at not being able to get through to her. He went to step forward just as Fives did but was also stopped by Kix, his vod’ika giving him a pitiful look.

“He’ll be home soon,” (Y/N) repeated, the force around her drowning out their voices. She was determined to get the place clean before Echo came home, wanting everything to be spotless for his return. Kix watched as (Y/N) in severe denial, the concussion and head wound she sustained doing nothing to help her subconscious delusions.

“Rex, let her mourn. She’ll come to terms with it eventually. Let’s leave her be.” he gave Rex’s shoulder a squeeze, signalling to Hardcase and Jesse to kit up, wanting to let (Y/N) mourn in peace. Jesse and Hardcase both cast one more glance at their captain who nodded in agreement with Kix’s words, begrudgingly agreeing to let (Y/N) have some space. Kix however walked up to (Y/N) and placed a hand on her shoulder, placing a bottle of pain pills on the counter next to her.

“Take one of these before you go to sleep at night and one when you wake up general, they’ll help with the migraines from the concussion,” Kix said, only receiving a very small nod from (Y/N). He turned back to the others who were now kitted up, following suit before ushering Hardcase and Jesse out, both wishing (Y/N) the best.

Rex was more reluctant to leave, not wanting to leave (Y/N) but knowing that she needed time right now, “if you need us at all, you know how to reach us (Y/N).”

There was no reply from the women and Rex sighed, kitting up and tucking his helmet under his arm. He opened the door and cast one last empathetic glance at (Y/N) before the door closed behind him, leaving her alone in her apartment.

~ Time Skip~

It had been another two weeks since the incident and (Y/N) was still in denial, her subconscious mind pushing forth memories of their time together to make it appear as though Echo was still alive. She smiled as she washed her hand in the kitchen, just having finished making lunch when there was a knock at the door. She used the force to open it, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Anakin standing there.

“Hey (Y/N),” he greeted a sympathetic smile on his lips as he walked into her apartment.

“Hi Anakin!” she said cheerfully, coming over to hug her best friend. She gave him a squeeze before pulling away, giving him a once over to check for any injuries but found none. Her cheery disposition caught Anakin off guard, making him tilt his head slightly but he said nothing.

“I just made lunch, would you like any?” She offered, moving back to the kitchen and taking down a bowl and two glasses from the cabinet.

“I’m okay for now (Y/N/N) but thanks for the offer,” Anakin declined politely though accepting the cup of water that she offered him.

“How’re you doing?” He asked as she sat down, a bowl of stew in her hand and her legs tucked up under her body. Anakin took a sip of his water as she answered his question though her answer sent a shock through his spine making him choke on his water.

“I’m doing good. I’ve got a clean place and it’s ready for when Echo comes home.”

“What?”

“My apartment. I cleaned it up so that way when Echo comes home he can just relax.”

“D-did Fives and Rex not-“ Anakin stutter over his words, placing his glass down on the caf table and staring at (Y/N) as if she had turned to the dark side. She continued talking however, as if trying to drown out what Anakin was saying.

“And then I’m going to make his favourite dinner and make sure th-“

“(Y/N/N).”

“Yeah?”

“Echo’s gone. He died at the Citadel,” Anakin said, standing up and kneeling down in front of where (Y/N) was sitting on the couch. She refused to meet his eyes, finishing off her stew and standing up, navigating around Anakin before moving to the kitchen.

“N-no he didn’t. He’s just-“ she stuttered out, dropping her bowl in the sink and running the water over it.

“(Y/N)-“ Anakin started but was cut off again.

“He’ll be home soon. I know he will be,” (Y/N) said, turning to give Anakin a quick glare before moving toward her bedroom.

“(Y/N) wait,” Anakin said quickly, jumping over the couch and chasing after her, gently taking hold of her wrist to stop her from walking away. (Y/N) stood still for a moment, thinking over what Anakin had told her, thinking back to when Rex and the others were her.

“I should get going. I need to shower and meditate before he comes home,” she said quietly with a sigh, shaking free from Anakin’s grip and heading down the hall, “you can see yourself out,” she said as the door to her room opened and closed, leaving Anakin alone on the boarder of the living room and hallway.

He sighed as he looked around the apartment, taking in the spotless mess of everything and how nothing was out of place. His eyes landed on the side table next to the couch where there was a holophoto of (Y/N) with him, Rex, Fives, Echo and the rest of Torrent company. Next to that was a holophoto of her and Echo, holding each other and smiling. Anakin picked up the captured moment, looking at the happy couple that reminded him so much of himself and Padme. He felt awful for not being able to bring Echo home, his helmet the only thing coming home with them.

Anakin made his way to the door, sighing once more as it opened and closed behind him as he left (Y/N)’s apartment, thinking over what he could do to help her.

~

“I’m worried about (Y/N), Master,” Anakin said as he stood against the wall in Obi-wan’s office. He had come to his master after visiting (Y/N), needing some advice at how to help her out.

“Why’s that?” Obi-wan said as he continued to type up a report for the council in his datapad.

“She’s in denial about Echo’s death, She still thinks that he’s alive,” Anakin said, shaking his head as he gave Obi-wan the run down. Obi-wan nodded along, listening to Anakin as he spoke. He knew of (Y/N)’s relationship with the arc trooper, even if they had tried their best to hide their relationship. Obi-wan had chosen to show his silent support, turning his head and letting (Y/N) be happy. He knew what it felt like to give up that kind of connection in favour of being a Jedi and there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t feel some kind of regret.

“But didn’t Rex and Fives-“ Obi-wan started, looking up at Anakin as his apprentice cut him off.

“They did. And so did I but she responded with ‘he’ll be home soon’ and won’t hear anything else about it,” Anakin said, coming over and sitting down at the chair in front of Obi-wan’s desk this time.

“I see. That’s not good then,” his master replied as he looked over to Anakin, placing his data away from himself and giving Anakin’s his full attention.

“He left her a recording but Rex and Fives didn’t feel right giving it to her,” Anakin explained, placing the holorecorder down on Obi-wan’s desk as emphasis along with Echo’s helmet that he brought as well. It had been a battle to get Fives to part with it but Anakin had said to him that he needed it to help (Y/N) through this.

“Why not?” Obi-wan said, somewhat flabbergasted that they hadn’t given (Y/N) something that was intended for her. He looked at Echo’s damaged helmet next, putting a hand against it and closing his eyes, allowing the force to guide him through Echo’s last moments. He felt anguish, anger but mostly sorrow for leaving (Y/N) behind.

I love you (Y/N). I’ll see you again someday.

“Because they didn’t want her to be alone when she found out,” Anakin said, watching as Obi-wan continued what he was doing. He knew his master was focused on his task, connecting with Echo’s last conscious thought.

“I understand that but they should’ve given it to her,” Obi-wan said as he opened his eyes and removed his hand from Echo’s helmet. He has found the closer that he himself had been looking for and he hoped that (Y/N) could find the same. He looked to his student, a defeated look present in his face.

“I know. I understand the denial but how do we get her to snap out of it?” Anakin said, desperation present in his voice.

“I’m not sure but we need to find a way, before the council catches wind of this.”

“I know but how? She won’t listen to anyone about it.”

They sat silently for a moment before Obi-wan spoke up, “Maybe I can help. Give me the holo,” Obi-wan said, taking the holo and pocketing it before using the force to grab a bag big enough to hold Echo’s helmet. He pulled the bag over his shoulder and made his way to the door, leaving Anakin sitting down.

“What are you going to do Obi-wan?” Anakin asked quickly by there was no response from his master as he walked out, power walking to where Anakin knew (Y/N) would be.

~

“(Y/N)?” Obi-wan called out catching (Y/N) as she was about to enter into one of the private training room. The woman turned at the sound of her name, eyes lighting up and lips turning into a smile as she saw Obi-wan.

“Master Kenobi! How can I help you?” She said with a smile and invited him into the room she was entering, closing and locking the sliding doors to give them a chance to talk.

“Actually, I was hoping I could help you,” obi-wan said making (Y/N) tilt her head in fake confusion. She had a feeling that Anakin had gone to his former mentor for advice and support and she had a sneaking suspicion that Obi-wan would be the next to talk to her about the situation. He had been there after all, the mission had been one that he led.

“Oh? I-I don’t need any help Obi-wan but thank you for the sentiment,” (Y/N) said, walking further into the training room and discarding her robe onto one of the bench’s against the wall.

“(Y/N), look at me,” obi-wan said, walking over to where (Y/N) was, “You deserve to be happy you know that right?” He said, placing a hand on her shoulder. (y/N) reluctantly nodded, knowing where this was going. She was over it at this point, everyone trying to convince her that Echo was gone.

“Haha very funny. Has everyone else got you in on this prank to?” She said with a forced fake laugh, moving away from Obi-wan to sit down in the ground. She readied herself into a meditative position, hoping that Obi-wan would get the hint to leave her alone.

“It’s not a prank my darling,” Obi-wan said, turning to (Y/N) and following her to her meditation spot. He sat across from her and placed the bag with Echo’s helmet next to him, waiting for the right moment to bring it out.

“Yeah yeah, tell Anakin to knock it off. I have to make sure I’m alert and ready for when Echo comes home-“

“(Y/N).”

“Obi-wan.”

“I’m telling you the truth,” he said, trying to get through to her about how this was not a trick. There was a sigh hanging by thread on his lips, the frustration of (Y/N)’s denial making Obi-wan question if he should just rip the bacta patch off.

“Well I don’t believe you,” she said, closing her eyes to try and tune out Obi-wan and his words. She knew that Echo was somewhere out there and no one could dissuade her from that thought.

“When have I ever lied to you?” She heard Obi-wan say, the question striking a cord inside her mind and her chest.

“Today is the first,” she replied after a brief pause of thought. Obi-wan sighed again, watching as (Y/N) sat in denial. Her eyes remained closed so Obi-wan figured that now was the only time he could pull out his cards. He pulled Echos damaged helmet out of the bag he brought, placing it on the ground in front of (Y/N) before pulling out the holorecording and pressing play.

“Cyar’ika.” (Y/N)’s eyes flew open at the sound of that voice, the hope in her chest bubbling up before she realized that it was just a recording. She looked at the holo of her Arc trooper, watching as his eyes seemed to light up as if he was talking directly to her and not addressing her through a camera. She took another moment and looked down, tears gathering in her waterline as she laid eyes on Echo’s helmet, chard and damaged beyond repair.

“If you’re hearing this then… there’s no easy way to tell you but…I’m gone. I’ve had this recorded since I met you because I knew there was always a possibility that I wouldn’t come back.” His words hit her like a turbo tank, making her fragment heart shatter even more. Her eyes temporarily met Obi-wan’s before they focused back on the holo of her lover.

“I gave it to Fives because I knew he would be the one to deliver it if something ever happened and unfortunately it did.” She picked up his helmet, the tears now spilling over her cheeks as she finally came to grips with the fact that Echo was really gone for good. She ran her thumbs over the visor of his helmet, holding it in her lap as she continued to listen to the message that was left for her.

“I just want you to know (Y/N), I will always love you no matter where I am. I will always be with you even when we’re miles apart. Ner mesh’la Sarad, move on and live happily, I know you can. Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum.” His final words broke her, a strangled sob leaving her lips as she clutched his helmet closer to her chest. She placed her forehead against that of his helmet, feeling Echo’s last moments before the memories faded.

“I’m so sorry (Y/N),” Obi-wan said, watching as (Y/N) broke down over the message Echo had left her, having to wipe a few stray tears away from his own eyes. This whole situation reminded him so much of how he had almost lost Satine when they were younger. He felt horrible that he had to do this but it needed to be done before the council caught on. He couldn’t keep covering for her even if he wanted to, wanting to help her as much as he could.

“Let’s get you to bed,” Obi-wan said, standing up and gently maneuvering (Y/N) to stand up. She was pliant and didn’t resist Obi-wan much, still trying to grapple with the message that she had just seen. Obi-wan slowly and carefully took Echo’s helmet and placed it back in the bag so that no one would be none the wiser. He handed the bag back to (Y/N) and placed the holorecording inside it alongside the helmet.

He took (Y/N)’s hand softly and guided her out of the training room, being careful to avoid as many Jedi as he could in the halls of the temple. (Y/N) remained quiet, holding tightly into the back that now housed Echo’s helmet and the last message she received. She felt as though she had skipped the second and third stages of grief, no amount of anger or bargaining able to bring him back.

Next thing she knew they had made it to her room in the temple, the door opening and closing behind them. Obi-wan guided (Y/N) to her bed, coaxing her to lay down and allow him to take off her boots. He felt like a father comforting his daughter after a heartbreak. He was pulling off her boots when she finally spoke.

“He’s really gone?” (Y/N) said, her voice distant and haunted, no swing able to meet Obi-wan eyes. Her eyes instead moved to where Echo’s helmet lay in a bag on the floor of her room, the visor poking out and allowing her a glimpse of his beautiful hazel eyes one last time.

“Unfortunately he is,” Obi-wan said sympathetically, following her eyes to his helmet before he sighed again, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No. Thank you Obi-wan. I’ll be okay,” (Y/N) said as she gentle force Echo’s helmet and the holorecording into her hands. She needed to be alone to process everything and she just wanted to try and sleep.

“If there is anything that can be done, please allow me or Anakin to help,” Obi-wan said softly, placing his hands on her shoulders and giving them a fatherly squeeze before he turned around and left the room, but not before she said to him,

“I will,” (Y/N) said before the door to her room fully closed behind Obi-wan, leaving her alone once more. She stared at Echo’s helmet, the plastiod charred and damaged, the blue paint scuffed and faded. She closed her eyes again, following the force as it led her back to the happy memories she shared with Echo. The words of his holorecording played over and over in her head as she stripped out of her robes and into her night clothes, haunting yet comforting to her.

She lay there in bed for another while, Echo’s helmet clutched to her chest like a tooka doll. She had made up her mind a while ago but now she knew for certain what she needed to do.

~

“What do you mean she left?!” Anakin snapped at Obi-wan as his master told him the news. (Y/N) had requested a private council meeting yesterday and had informed her masters and mentors that she would be resigning from the Jedi order effective immediately. It had come as a shock to most of the Jedi on the council though Master Yoda seemed to understand why. She had apologized profusely, but Master Yoda just bowed his head and wished her well.

“I’m not happy about it either but she resigned of her own volition. There was nothing that could have been done,” Obi-wan said, trying to quell the anger of his apprentice. He knew that Anakin would take the news hard, but he also knew that there was nothing he or Anakin could’ve done to change (Y/N)’s mind. She needed her time and space and they were going to give it to her whether they agreed with her decision or not.

“How am I going to break it to the boys?” Anakin said, dragging his mechanical hand down his face in defeat. The 501st loved (Y/N), always the life of the party and sharing her compassion for them wherever she went. She was their unofficial sister, their vod’ika as they liked to call her.

“I don’t know Anakin. But you’ll have to find a way,” Obi-wan said, mulling over in his head if there was any way that he could help Anakin break the news to his troopers.

“I know.”

“Maybe this will help her Anakin. She was grieving and she was beginning to get reckless on assignments.”

“But that’s not her fault!”

“It was. That’s why the Jedi are not meant to form attachments,” Obi-wan said, giving his padawan a look that told him not to argue but her knew Anakin was to stubborn to let this go.

“But you and Satine-“ Anakin started but Obi-wan cut him off very quickly.

“Satine and I were different. And I did not let me feeling get in the way of my duty,” Obi-wan snapped, not wanting to have the same argument with Anakin that they have had multiple times already. He had made his decision along time ago, even if he still regrets it in some ways. Anakin side and defeat before sitting down in one of the chairs in front of Obi-Wan‘s desk again, bowing his head.

“I hope wherever she goes, she finds peace,” Anakin said, Obi-wan nodding along as well and wishing through the force that (Y/N) find what she needs.

~Time Skip~

“The island is beautiful Phee,” Hunter said as she led the Batch down the island towards where they would be staying for a little.

“I’m glad you like it. It’s our own little slice of heaven in this crazy galaxy. We have a lot of refugees here and it’s a place for them to find peace,” Phee explained as they came to a stop outside the island inn.

“I can see why,” Echo said as he took in the laughter the island had to offer. It was a gorgeous place with a diverse community and a kindness that hadn’t been present in the galaxy for a long while. He surveyed the area around them before Phee lead them inside the inn, momentarily catching a glimpse of someone he thought was familiar. He shook his head though, believing he was imagining it, after all it had been three years now.

“I hope you guys can find the same kind of peace here. Away from Cid, away from the empire, away from the fighting,” Phee explained as she turned to the inn keeper to ask about rooms where they could occupy for a while.

“Believe me, I think we could use it,” Wrecker said, holding Omega on his shoulder as the younger girl nodded in response.

“I know you could. There have been a lot of people who have passed through here to get away from the fighting. And because we’re not a resource heavy planet, the empire just kind of leaves us alone,” Phee explained as she received the keys to one of the larger guest houses on island and turned to hand them to Hunter.

“Here you go Hunter, I can take you to the house if you want? Or let you guys wonder and find it yourself,” she said, smiling at the Batch looked at one another.

“We should be okay Phee. Thank you, for all your help,” Hunter said with a smile. The others agreed with him and thanked Phee for all she had done for them.

“Don’t forget, dinner at Shep’s tonight.”

She reminded them before she bid them a goodbye and head off to her own homestead, giving Tech a cheeky kiss on the cheek on her way out. The genius clone blushed and followed Phee with his eyes, a shy smile on his face.

Echo smiled at the scene, thinking back to before the citadel mission when he and his cyar’ika used to be so happy. His smile faded as he thought about it, about the war and how when the bad Batch had rescued him from Skako Minor she was gone. Anakin and Rex had filled him in on what went down after the mission, (Y/N)’s denial, obi-wan giving her the message and his helmet, (Y/N) leaving the order. It broke his heart to hear how much his supposed death had impacted her, he just hope she was happy, where ever she was.

“Echo?” Echo was snapped out his thoughts by a tug on his human hand, turning his eyes to see Omega trying to get his attention.

“You okay? Wrecker called your name twice,” she said, Echo’s head turning to look at his larger brother before realizing that the others were looking at him as well.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Just….memories,” he said quietly.

“About what?” Wrecker asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

“About (Y/N)?” Tech said, making Echo’s head shoot up to look at his genius brother. Tech just shrugged, as if it was the most obvious thing, “I over heard General Skywalker and Rex speaking to you about it when we reduced you. I am assuming the public display of affection by Phee must have triggered repressed memories.”

Echo just sighed and grumbled about ease dropping, not wanting to justify Tech with a response. Hunter had also heard the conversation but hadn’t thought it relevant to bring up, knowing that if Echo wanted to talk about it he would when he was ready.

“Yes, I was thinking about (Y/N),” he said and felt Omega give his hand a reassuring squeeze.

“What happened to her?” She asked, her childish curiosity seeping out. Echo sighed and he turned to the door of the inn, moving to step outside. The others followed him out, beginning to walk to where their temporary house was.

“She resigned from the war effort after I…” Echo spoke though the words died on his tongue quite quickly. He didn’t like thinking about the citadel or how (Y/N) must have felt.

“After you blew up?” Wrecker said, ripping off the invisible bacta patch that those thoughts brought along. Echo and the others glared at their larger brother, Hunter giving him a smack over the head.

“Tact Wrecker, we’ve talked about this,” Hunter scolded him like a child. Wrecker looked down and apologized to Echo knowing that he may have just undone some of Echo’s personal healing.

The ex-arc trooper sighed and turned around, walking fast to leave the Bad Batch where they stood. They called after him but he ignored their calls, needing to be left alone for now. Echo knew that yes, (Y/N) had resigned after his accident but he didn’t like to dwell on those thoughts. The message that he left to her was still fresh in his mind as if he had recorded it yesterday, telling her to move on and live happy. He hoped that she was happy wherever she was.

~

(Y/N) sat in her secluded house on the island, reading a book and drinking a cup of tea. It had been three years since she resigned from the order and now she kept to herself, going out only when she needed to, speaking to very few people. Shep had been very welcoming to her when she first stumbled upon the beautiful island that Pabu was, a peaceful secluded place where she could escape.

When she first arrived, she shut herself out from the force, wanting to start a new life even if she had become an introvert. She had found peace and quiet, her new life away from the war and the death was something she was content with, though there was no true happiness. Her happiness has died with Echo and she hadn’t been able to find someone new. There were a few people who had hit on her at bars before she found Pabu but she always turned them down as politely as she could, talking them that her Arc trooper would be there soon.

(Y/N) was coaxed out of her thoughts at the sound of chirping, a blue bird landing on the windowsill of her home. She smiled at the little creature, one that seemed to visit her home frequently.

“Hello little fellow. How’re you today?” She asked the little bird, knowing that she wouldn’t get a response back at all. It was something she did every time the little guys came around, trying to strike up a conversation even if it was one sided.

However, for some reason this encounter felt different, the little blue bird staying on her windowsill a little longer than normal. (Y/N) titled her head slightly as she observed the little creature, the bird staring back at her just the same. She shook her head and went back to her book, reading a few more words before there was another chirp from her little blue friend. This time when (Y/N) looked up, she was shocked to see the blue bird had made its way inside her home, resting on the caf table infront of her.

“Hey little guy. You’ve never done this before,” she said curiously and lowered her book, continuing to observe the small creature as it looked back at her. It flapped its wings slightly adjusting its position before it took off, flying further into (Y/N) house.

“Hey!” She said and stood up, quickly tossing the book on the coffee table as she follow the bird to her room. When she rounded the corner to the open door of her bedroom, there was the blue Bird, sitting on top of Echos helmet. (Y/N) started at the little creature in wonder as it rested on the damaged helmet of her deceased beloved, staring right back at her with big black eyes.

“W-what are you doing their little guy?” She asked, her voice cracking a little at the bird continued to stare at her. This had never happened before and she had done well not to dwell on Echo’s helmet no matter how hard it was not to look at it. She had placed the helmet and holorecording on her bedside table a little while after she settled in pabu, her own way of having Echo home with her even if she didn’t like looking at his helmet.

(Y/N) watched as the little bird did a 360 turn on the helmet, its eyes meeting (Y/N) once more as it completed its rotation. The curious little creature then flapped its wings flew the little distance down to be on the surface of the side table, looking at (Y/N) again once he landed. She stared back at the little blue bird, her heart racing as she felt a tug in the back of her mind.

The little blue bird looked at (Y/N) unmoving and unblinking for a moment before he picked up the holorecording and took flight, flying out the open window of her bedroom. (Y/N) shrieked and raced to the window, watching as the blue bird flew away with the holorecording.

“No! Bring it back, please!” (Y/N) pleadingly yelled, running to the front door and throwing on shoes before swinging the door open and running after the little blue bird. She needed that recording. It was one of the last things she had of Echo, the only one where she could still hear his voice. She ran like her life depended on it, trying her best to catch up with her little friend. She bumped into a few people on her way along the island path, apologizing profusely as she passed a few men in armour and a young girl. She had no time to stop as she chased the bird further up the island, needing to catch it before it got too far.

“Come back little birdie please! That’s too important for me to lose!” (Y/N) called out, speeding up her pace.

“Was that…?” Hunter asked as his eyes followed the women who had just run into them.

“I think it may have been,” Tech said, quickly typing away at his datapad before pulling up a picture of (Y/N) from the Republic’s database.

Echo found himself in the square, wandering around aimlessly, while looking at the vendor stands around him. There wasn’t much that caught his eye until he spotted a little blue bird flying through the air. He smiled at the little bird, something about it reminding him of simpler times. Echo out his human hand out, hoping to coax the bird into landing on his palm. He felt as though he was on autopilot, never having done anything like this before.

To his complete surprise, the little blue bird flew down and landed on his outstretched palm, looking up at him with big black eyes.

“Hey there little fella. Whatcha got there?” Echo asked as the blue bird released the holorecorder from its beak, looking back up at Echo. The form Arc trooper looked curiously down at the device before his eyes went wide, recognizing the recorder as him.

“Where did you get this?” Echo asked the blue bird quietly, not expecting an answer. Rex and Anakin had told him that Obi-wan gave the recording to (Y/N) before she resigned, the message on the device one that he had struggled to record. He didn’t like thinking about the possibility that one day he wouldn’t come back from a mission, but he knew that the message needed to be heard. He stared down at the bluebird in the palm of his hand, his eyes welling with tears as he thought about what this could all mean.

“Blue bird! Where’d you go?” Echo heard a voice call out, eyes closing as he instantly recognized the angelic tone of who it belonged too. His heart beat quickened and his breathing picked up, suddenly feeling self conscious with himself. A lot had changed since the last time he had seen her and he had no idea what would happen when she finally saw…

“Echo?”

He exhaled a breathe he hadn’t realized had been trapped in his throat, tears threatening to stream down his face as he opened his eyes again to look back at the little blue bird in his hand. The little creature just looked back up at him before fluttering its wings and taking off once more, leaving him alone again.

“Echo is that you?”

Echo’s mind was racing a million parsecs a minute, so many things going on but all he wanted to do wasn’t turn around and confirm that she was really here. Slowly Echo did turn around and the sight that greeted him made him want to crumble.

There stood his beloved, tears prickling her eyes as she stared wide eyed at him, her mouth forming an O shape as she seemed to grapple with the shock of the moment. They stood there and stared at one another for a moment, neither having the courage to move forward before Echo spoke up.

“Cyar’ika?” His voice was quiet, barely above a whisper as he watched the woman he loved breakdown even further. She went to walk towards him but Echo took a small step back, feeling even more self conscious about himself now that he had confirmed it was really her. However Echo regretted his movement the second after he made it as he watched (Y/N)’s face crumble, the hope in her eyes dying ever so slightly.

“Echo,” she pleaded, her voice trembling as she spoke his name out loud for a third time. It was really him, he was alive, even if he looked different to the man she knew. It was still her Echo.

“I-I’m not the same a-as I used to cyare. I-I’ve changed.”

“I don’t care.”

“Really?”

“I don’t care about what has changed physically about you. You’re still my Echo,” she said, her voice cracking as she made her declaration. Echo couldn’t help the smile that graced his face as he opened his arms for her.

“I told you I’d be home soon Mesh’la,” he said and that was all (Y/N) needed to run into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably as she wrapped her arms around his slim waist. His arms found their home around her shoulders, holding her close to his chest as his own tears began to fall.

“I thought I lost you Echo,” she managed to choke out between sobs, Echo’s grip tightening as she spoke.

“I thought I was too ner sarad, but I’m okay now,” he said and felt her nod into his chest. They stayed there for a while, just holding one another as they grappled with this new, almost perfect reality. Echo pulled away slightly from the hug, tilting (Y/N)’s chin up and not waiting a second more before he planted a firm yet gentle kiss to her lips.

(Y/N) tensed briefly before relaxing again, reciprocating the kiss with just as much passion and love. It had been so long since they had seen each other and she knew there was much to discuss but for now, both Echo and (Y/N) were content to be in each others arms again.

He finally came home!

—————

I hope you all enjoyed this! There will be many more stories to come!

Part 2 anyone?

[backseatsoldier]

"Broken", Not Stupid - 14

Pairing: alpha!Simon "Ghost" Riley x unusual omega!OC (13)

CW: Omegaverse; dehumanization

Author's Note: How about something more gentle before we get into 13 starting to explain things? I feel a bit bad about part 13 x'D have some cute, fluffy things uwu

I settle on to the couch just fine and Selene joins me, as Simon said she would. It doesn't take him long to return from the room - blanket in his arms, as promised.

"Lay down." His voice is gentle still but I can tell he's no less tense. I do as he says without argument and Selene jumps up to the back of the couch, curling up directly above my head.

"Are you ok?" I ask as he places the blanket over me.

"I'll be fine. Didn't cut deep."

My hand pops out from under the blanket, fingers wrapping around his wrist carefully.

"I know you know that's not what I meant, Simon."

He freezes at my touch, eyes locked on mine, but doesn't say anyhting. Not right away at least. His fingers twitch slightly before gently sliding over the inside of my wrist.

"Just... angry for you. And the other omegas that Salvation has or has had in their hands. No more talk of it tonight, though," he says firmly, eyebrows raising to emphasize his point. "I'll bring you a plate when dinner's ready. Call for me if you need help with the tv, but otherwise stay put and hang out with Selene."

My grip on his wrist loosens and he pulls away, making his way back to the kitchen.

The tv and remote are fairly simple to work so I check various streaming servies before settling on soem random cartoon. Something about princes and dragons? I'm not sure. Half of my attention was on listening to Simon work in the kitchen.

I find it silly. I've known the guy for a couple of days, probably not even a full twenty-four hours at this point, but I feel more comfortable around him than anyone I've been around in a long time. Or maybe my self-preservation skills aren't as nice as I thought they were. I'm also just used to surviving Salvation's-

No more talk of it tonight. Simon's words ring through my skull and I frown.

Guess that means no thinking about it any more tonight either. Oh, well- oh, elves. Cool!

My attention is drawn to the tv, the story and characters pulling me in easily. Magic and magical beings have always fascinated me. Kind of like the little friend I saw in the sunr-

No. No, that was a rat. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Here," Simon says softly as he puts a bowl down on the coffee table. "Not my best dish, but it is comforting to me."

"What is it?" I ask, sitting up so I can eat.

Inside the bowl seems to be a stew, at least from the looks of it.

"Just what I used to throw together when I'd have a bad day and just needed something easy to cook and eat. Something warm but still good for me. Try it," he nods to the bowl in my hands.

Don't have to tell me twice; it smells wonderful. One bite has my taste buds exploding and my eyes wide.

"This isn't your best dish? Somehow I don't believe that," I argue through a mouthful of the stew.

He chuckles and shakes his head.

"One of the simplest and quickest things I could make. I take it you like it then?"

I groan as I take another bite and his chuckle grows to a quiet, shoulder shaking laugh.

"I'm almost scared to know what else you're able to cook," I admit as a joke through another bite. "When did you learn to cook?"

"Had an involuntary leave a few years back," he shrugs and settles back into the couch. "Needed something to do with my hands so I decided to learn to cook and bake."

"You bake too? Jeez, are you sure you need an omega?" I scoff, smiling.

His head turns so he can look directly at me. He almost looks irritated.

"There's more to life as an omega than 'household duties'. We'll save that discussion for tomorrow, though. Would you like me to teach you? Then, if you'd like, you can practice while I'm out for work and surprise me with any new-found skills when I get back."

"You're offering to teach me to cook and bake? Do you even have time? From the way you and Johnny have been talking, you'll be gone the majority of the time."

The omega in my head is unsettled by the idea of him not being around often, but the rest of me doesn't mind. I'm not big on human company constantly anyway.

"Price, my captain, knew I'd be searching for an omega so I'm on leave right now. Plus we're in-between missions right now anyway." Simon pauses for a moment, expression neutral. "You haven't asked what I do for work."

The unspoken question of 'Are you going to ask?' lingers in the air. I take a couple more bites of my food, finishing what's in the bowl and placing it on the coffee table.

"I'm curious," I nod. "But is it really my business?"

"It is as much as it can be. I can't go into full detail, but I can give you the general information."

I shift on the couch, turning so my legs are tucked under me and I'm facing him. The blanket also gets moved so it's over my shoulders and head as I pull it closed in front of me. This seems to amuse Simon considering the small crinkle near his eyes.

"I'm a lieutenant, SAS. My team consists of four individuals, including myself, but we occasionally recruit people from other branches of the military. Sometimes even people from other countries' militaries - like Jeanz, she's part of Ireland's military."

"Who else is on your team? Johnny?" I prob for more answers, curiosity taking over.

"Johnny is one of the two sargeants in my team, yes. The other is Kyle and Price is our captain. The three of them are the people who know me best in this world," he adds the last sentence with almost a sad tone to his voice.

"Are Kyle and Price who I'll meet tomorrow?"

"Yes. If you and I want to do something about Salvation, I'll need to involve them. Are you ok with sharing your experieinces with more than just me?"

"It might take me a moment to get settled with them around, but I'll do my best," I offer with a shrug. "Fourteen years is also a lot of 'experience' to cover so this may take more than just tomorrow."

"It'll take time," he agrees with a slight nod. "I don't want you to think or worry about tomorrow, okay? They're good men and they'll be here to help. If at any point you're uncomfortable or need a break, you can tell me. Until then..."

He trails off as he adjusts and motions for me to come closer.

"Grab the remote and come here. Had a relization while cooking and woud like to fix my mistake."

I do as he says, but I give him a confused look as I scoot closer.

"Mistake? Simon, you've not done anything-"

"That's the problem. Lay down with your head on my lap. You may be an independent woman, but I'm sure the omega side of you is feeling rather nelgected. If it makes you too uncomfortable, you can move, but please try."

A soft blush warms my cheeks at his words, but I lay down just like he told me to. It feels... awkward, but still comfortable. I curl further into the blanket - his blanket - and glue my eyes to the tv.

Cinnamon and cedar fills my senses and I relax further, letting myself roll slightly towards him to truly rest against him. It doesn't take long for Selene to curl up near my chest. It takes even less time for my eyes to slip closed and for me to drift into a truly relaxing sleep.

Masterlist | CoD Masterlist | Part One

Tag List: @lucienofthelakes @lostintransist @demothers-empty-blog @scaredyspooks @tessakate @one-really-annoying-tree-rat @nerdyphantomtheorist @gazsluckyhat @peanutismynickname @jeanzoriley-cod

[generalpenguinangel]

Thoughts inspired by @saulbetter's recent posts.

This show is kind of sold or discussed as "spies! but they suck at being spies!" But the thing that all the slow horses actually have in common isn't that they're bad spies, it's that they're people without social capital. They actually range from competent to excellent at the technical aspects of their work (Ho, Catherine, Marcus, Shirley, Coe, and even River are all good at the hard skills of their jobs. We are told Louisa screwed up but in both show and books she is shown to be one of the most reliable performers on the team). But they don't have friends or patrons to protect them when things go sideways.

The reason they're the rejects is because they're loners who struggle to connect with other people for all their various reasons (childhood trauma, job-related PTSD, addiction, personality disorder, inherent temperament). So they're playing checkers when their internal opponents at Regent's Park are playing chess. To the extent that they even realize that the social/political game exists (Ho and Catherine mostly don’t), they're bad at it (Coe, Lech) and/or think they shouldn't have to play it (Marcus, Shirley). River impressively manages to be deficient in all three aspects: totally naive to the politics of advancement within the Park, bad with people, and so committed to his own view of himself as a Boy Scout that he thinks he shouldn't have to sully his hands with any of it.

This is why the show is such a brilliant office drama. This one is for all the folks who are good on paper but bomb in interviews, for all the people who are promoted based on their technical mastery and then shit the bed as managers because they're illiterate at reading people. This is why it's such a stroke of genius that River's ascendant career is cut off at the knees by tailing Taverner. He's so full of himself and such a try hard that he mistakenly thinks doing an unrequested extra credit assignment about his boss makes him clever instead of creepy, annoying, and red flagged as a potential troublemaker.

Unfortunately, because Mick Herron is unable to let the story or the characters grow, this excellent premise results in some deep weirdness later in the book series. (Weirder than the deadbeat dad child soldier sex cult plotline, you say? Idk, you be the judge.)

Book spoilers under the cut.

First, let’s talk about Lech Wicinski. (I know, no one wants to talk about Lech Wicinski, but he is the curly-haired insomniac introvert of my heart so I’m going to talk about him.) I love Lech but parts of his origin story are so stupid. He’s just a normal guy who is comfortable in his niche and relatively unambitious and gets screwed by ambitious people’s big ego shenanigans, which he falls into by accident when he unthinkingly steps outside his work comfort zone for a minute. So far, so good. But then, while he’s desperately trying to save his job and reputation, he’s also… not? Like, why would this sort of overly serious but otherwise very normal young-ish middle class man immediately and inexplicably decide not to seek medical treatment for a profoundly disfiguring injury? Why does he never even actually try to show to his fiancee that the revelation that causes the breakdown of their relationship was completely fictitious? It makes no sense! Except, the author is lazily destroying Lech’s social capital to make it make sense that he’s now a slow horse for life. 

Similarly, River can’t have Sid in S1 because she is a bright and well-rounded person while he is cute but also an idiot nepo baby manchild. So do the books resolve this imbalance by allowing River to grow - or even just change - in response to various challenges like dashed career aspirations, finally meeting his psychopath biodad, the steep mental decline of his beloved father figure, etc? No. Instead of letting River at least attempt to grow up, the books put River and Sid on a level by cutting Sid down instead - putting her in protection (ie. cutting all her social ties) and giving her a traumatic brain injury that hollows out her previously bright personality. Heaven knows we’re all miserable now. Sure do hope they fix that plotline for the show! I love them as endgame and I honestly think the show could do something so satisfying and poignant with them finally finding their missed connection but the books make the way they finally get together so creepy and sad.

[bunnieswithknives]

OK JUST A LITTLE THING BECAUSE IM INSANE @cubbihue

Song: Plastic by Cheekface

[erabu-san]

tighnari saying cyno and sethos are like brothers at the end of this quest... cyno really is collecting siblings like pokemon. good for him!!

Yeeeessss!!

In my HC, Cyno put a lot of attention in family.

Firstly because Cyrus was his only one family when he was a kid with amnesia, but also he grown up with Lisa as colleague under the same professor, but both of them consider Cyrus as a parental figure : without saying anything, a link it made of brother/sister. Cyno never knows his family by blood, and I think he was curious once. But he is satisfy with his current family ! And for him, family doesn't need to blood related. And if I remember well, Cyno said (during Windblum event, EVENT EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR ME 😭🫶) something like it is pretty current people in Akademiya becomes a family for study. It was his case ! Cyrus becomes his dad figure, Lisa, her senior, is like a big sister (I wouldn't never forget when she calls him little brother/baby brother) (AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA !!! <3). And when in windblum Cyno came visited Lisa, during their conversation, Cyno is the one mentionning the family bond she has with Cyrus "you are also part of the family, Lisa. It is normal for a daughter to talk like his father" (*CRYING*)! It sounds a tiny detail but I feel like this is so important for him.

Then came Tighnari, aka the first friend he had ever ! (I am a bit lost in chronology tho. In Tighnari's backsto, we learn they met when Cyno was already the general mahamatra while Tighnari was a student new-ly popular. But in Cyno's quest, we learn that they were student when they met ?? So Cyno was student and General ? 🤔 welp, I am still unsure but now I include it in my HC/brainrot kskdkd). And also Collei ! Collei is a bit more complicated, in term that she wasn't comfortable around him for a long time being. But even when she wasn't comfortable around him at first, she still gave him a bookmark handmade during windblum and saying he is like a family for him (I AM ON THE FLOOR). Tighnari and Cyno both consider Collei like a little sister, and bahaha when they "fight" about "who is the older one" and tighnari don't want to admit this loser being the older oh gosh i love theeeeeeem (I will never recover from "oh yeah but you're younger in your head, Collei could be your big sis !" "I wouldn't never say I am the youngest !!! Except if it is for an opportunity for winning TCG by shocking my opponent.." cyno you are so real). But during this windblum event again, Cyno said something like "you know Collei, tighnari said we are not an akademiya family, and he doesn't want to work on a post together" and this is SUPER IMPORTANT because for Cyno, as you can see earlier, only had family by study (Cyrus, Lisa). He worked, studied and published with his father and Lisa. And also, he did homework with Tighnari that he considers like a brother in soul. But the fact he was "refused" to do work with Collei and him, kind of make him feel to tell Collei "yeah we r family but, tighnari... ):"

As Tighnari answered "You know, we can consider ourself as a normal family" AND THAT'S SOSO IMPORTANT. In my HC, Tighnari is the one in group having a "good family" (not in sumeru cast, I believe it is Nilou who has the healthiest family). He knows what a family is supposed to, he grew up with parents who teach him a lot of thing and he explored with them. Anyway Tighnari is a healthy kid, he knows that they don't need to work on a project together to be a family. Oh and that's also why I HC him Aromantic, AroAce persons value platonic and familyship a lot more than romantic, so he doesn't know mind that Collei and Cyno who are not blood related to him are like a true family for him !

(Before continue, I want to talk his bond with Collei ; I believe he can relates on how Collei suffered from the seal, because Cyno who might forget his past, he remembers the pain. That's how in Tighnari's voiceline, Cyno often check how Collei is going w/o her noticing. Even when Collei was aware of Cyno and under Tighnari care, he was ready to help her. And in the first story quest, Tighnari said that she still awares of him. I wonder how often they talk abt Collei !! I am sure Cyno shares to Tighnari how much he woud like to get along with her, and that's how Tighnari gives him opportunity like this one official art when in description Tighnari said "I asked Collei to bring Cyno")

And so, that's how in Cyno's quest we were able to see all his closest friends. Tighnari Collei Kaveh Alhaitham Candace Dehya Faruzan (and Traveler). Everyone was worried for him, was wishing to help him, and was here for him. And Cyno also noticed he is less alone (GOOD FOR HIM). And now, there is Sethos, a man coming from nowhere in this life, but an important man ; they didn't spend life together but they can feel a deep connection bcuz of both of their backstory. Sethos might be the closest to understand all his doubt a long time ago (and Cyno IS the closest person for Sethos to relate). And IN CYNO'S VOICELINE ABOUT SETHOS "Aren't we his best friends of whole Sumeru city ?! 😐" Cyno pulled the power of friendship and adopt him in his big family circle.

ANYWAY WOW IT IS ONLY 8AM AND I AM HERE ALREADY YAPPING ABOUT CYNO BAHAHAHA

But genshin impact is for me more family impact that anything 😭 🫶 (and that's also why I am stuck with sumeru while FONTAINE AND THE HOUSE OF HEARTH ARE JUST RIGHT HERE ?!?!) after all, we are playing a traveler who is searching their twin !

Thank you for reading my talk, anon

[reginamillls]

I think the deleted scene is simply showing you how much Buck is cared for by the people he chose to be in his life, and from someone who craved that care and attention for so long I just think that's neat that Buck has so many people now that do, and idk I'm just happy for him

[moeblob]

Right and his work menaces (Brent and Karen).

I don't remember last I mentioned it but apart from crude nicknames to people (except Chris), he also just puts them in his phone really weird (except Chris, who is literally in his phone as Chris). And I bring this up because in Right's phone, Karen is saved as "Lawful Obligation".

[asheoninactive]

Something something Ken being associated with light as his primary element and the concept of divine retribution and divine intervention. It all being associated with the concept of justice and justice being right no matter what.

Is this anything.

[hayaku14]

hello why is kaishin more popular than shinkai or what i mean is why bottom shinichi is like the most widely believed one? lol not really in the fandom just vaguely familiar with the anime from childhood it's just my mutuals likes this ship. i'd thought shinichi being the top would be more popular given his personality.

anon sorry for the late answer!!

imma be real honest with you, anon, i've loved the kidco dynamic since i was conan-sized but i only realized kaishin should be making out around 2021 so i don't know if i'm the best person to answer this question LOL BUT, i'll give you an answer!

tbh, i think for fandom shipping in general, the main character more often than not is the chosen bottom and whoever else is the other party is topping them. in japanese media especially, the ship names are mostly born from putting the kanji of their names together wherein the order of which indicates the seme and uke. since this happens early on, we kinda get stuck with that as the popular ship name whether you prefer the other way later on.

perhaps kaishin is more popular but not entirely by a lot compared to other ships where it's completely skewed to one side. i see a lot of shinkai too. ofc there are people who prefer one way over the other exclusively and that's completely fine!

personally, i think confining them into seme and uke or top and bottom does a great disservice to the kaishin dynamic because to me we should be looking at their sub-dom dynamic more and why they're actually peak switch sub and dom!!!!

that's fucking right kaishin is actually peak switch and i will die on this fucking hill!!!!!!!!!!

when you say shinichi would be the "obvious top," i'd like to assume in your heart you actually meant "the obvious dom" (LOL) but i think that could also apply to kaito.

i think the appeal of kaishin is the push and pull between them. the give and take. they're always trying to one-up each other. sometimes one pushes and the other gives way, sometimes it's the other way around.

i will be honest, perhaps switch pairings might just be my preference but I have never encountered a pairing that felt this completely equal in the switch department more than kaishin. like for other ships i'd sometimes be like, "yeah they switch but A is 70% more dom than B." But for kaishin I'm like, "oKAY THEY'RE 50/50 THEY'RE EQUALS THEY'RE PERFECT HALVES RAAAAAHHHH"

now how does this answer your question? well, i have no proof and im going off of vibes and like i said im no veteran in this ship fandom but, i think a lot of people do enjoy the other way around as you think it would've been. it's just that...it's something that can just be filed under the kaishin tag too. because it's basically the same sometimes. the only different thing is who's topping and bottoming. like sometimes i'm scrolling through twitter and i'd see art that's giving shinkai but it's tagged as kaishin and vice versa lol.

also personally i prefer calling them kaishin because i love the letter k and i associate the name shinkai more with makoto shinkai so every time i see people refer to kaishin as shinkai, my mind just conjures up an image of kaito, shinichi, and makoto shinkai together and i know that's fucking hilariously weird but it sometimes happens!!!! LMAO so even if i'm thinking about shinkai stuff, i still prefer using the name kaishin lol.

(but having the kaishin/shinkai distinction is definitely still useful especially for people who want to filter through one way or the other so fuck yeah to the ship name shinkai you're here to stay!!!)

anyway in conclusion, top shinichi is popular too dw lol, or maybe i should say bottom kaito is popular too lol i see yalls

also sorry that this answer is not only late but also a whole essay that doesn't even straightforwardly answer your question lol my bad anon

[sysig]

Pivotal bright spot (Patreon)

[cuteniaarts]

Wine stains on porcelain

(Alternatively: @katkastrofa and I have created 5 OCs in 3 days and I suffer from chronic “I wanna draw the little guysssssss” disease)

[local-lover-boy]

Making myself really fucking sad and miserable will not make him real however I am tempted to try

[enfinizatics]

it’s the way i’ve wanted to read all the young dudes ever since the author started publishing it on ao3 but i’ve never made myself do it bc of being a survivor of the marauders fans bullying back in 2017-2018 tumblr bc i posted stuff about snape LMAOO truly an extraordinary time on harry potter tumblr, the marauders fans were so vicious back then i actually avoided every single marauders content like the plague until like last year because the bullying made me feel physically nauseous whenever stumbling upon the content please-